Overview
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 gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 to 45 years old
- hemoglobin HbA1c ≤5.6% and fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dl
- 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 hypothyroidism or use of thyroid medications
- 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