The purpose of the research study is to better understand how beta-cells (cells in the pancreas that make insulin and help regulate blood sugar) respond to growth hormone in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes at the University of Missouri. Our aim is to advance understanding of how growth hormone affects beta-cells and risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 59 years old
• body mass index ≥30.0 kg/m2 and <45.0 kg/m2

Additional, group-specific inclusion criteria:

• Family history of type 2 diabetes: first degree relative with type 2 diabetes
• Control group: no family history of type 2 diabetes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant during the study, or breastfeeding
• Current diagnosis or history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Use of medications that can impact the study outcomes (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists)
• History of bariatric surgery
• Known, uncontrolled hypothyroidism
• History of intracranial hypertension, including papilledema, or a condition that increases the risk of developing intracranial hypertension, such as Turner Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, or renal impairment
• Current cancer or cancer that has been in remission less than 5 years
• First degree relative with type 1 diabetes diagnosis
• Evidence of significant anemia or significant end organ dysfunction (e.g., liver, kidney, heart disease)
• Alcohol use disorder, use of controlled substances, or smoking >2 cigarettes per day
• Greater than 3% weight loss within three months of screening or engaged in regular (≥3 days per week), continuous moderate- or high-intensity exercise of ≥30 min duration
• Mentally disabled persons, prisoners, and persons with inability to grant voluntary informed consent

The study population will consist of obese men and women ages 18-45 with and without a first degree relative with type 2 diabetes.

De-identified data will be available upon reasonable request

5 years after completion of the study