Arginine Metabolism in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes
Baylor College of Medicine
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), once considered only "a disease of older ages," is now a significant public health concern in youth. Although it is characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, its precise etiology and pathogenesis are not yet fully understood. This study aims to (1) explore arginine metabolism in youth with T2D via safe, minimally invasive kinetic experiments using stable isotope tracers and targeted metabolomics, and (2) determine the effect of exogenous arginine administration on β-cell function in youth with T2D, potentially supporting the use of this safe, low-cost, and readily available nutrient to improve pediatric diabetes outcomes.
Description
In parallel with the youth obesity epidemic, type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth is becoming a significant public health concern. The incidence of pediatric T2D increased by 50% during the past decade, and recent data show that T2D accounts for one in four newly-diagnosed diabetes cases in children. Youth with T2D have an aggressive disease course and a rapid decline in β-cell function, and many also have multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors at an early age. The disease is characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, but the molecular underpinnings of T2D are not yet…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 12–20 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Youth with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls who meet other inclusion criteria outlined below. 2. Age and pubertal stage criteria (12- to 20-year-old girls who are postmenarchal, and 14- to 20-year-old boys who are at Tanner stage 5 genitalia), 3. Additional criteria for youth with diabetes: i. diagnosis of T2D, and ii. diabetes duration between 3 months and 10 years. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Previous history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) 2. Poorly controlled diabetes defined as HbA1c \>7.5%, 3. Abnormal liver, thyroid, gonadal or adrenal functions, 4. Renal insuffi…
Interventions
- OtherStable isotope infusion, oral glucose ingestion, intravenous arginine bolus
On separate study days, each participant will have a stable isotope infusion, ingest oral glucose, and be given an intravenous arginine bolus.
Location
- Texas Children's Hospital / Baylor College of MedicineHouston, Texas