Measurement of Glucose Metabolism in Humans: Effect of Recurrent Hypoglycemia on Hypothalamic GABA

Glucose is a major fuel for most organs in the human body, particularly the brain. How and where the body uses glucose is regulated by a number of hormones, for instance insulin and glucagon. In a number of diseases, in particular diabetes mellitus, the glucose supply to the brain may be different than normal, which may be a cause for reduced glucose awareness.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of altered glucose metabolism on the brain. For example, patients with long duration diabetes mellitus lose their ability to secrete the hormones necessary to protect them against hypoglycemia, which may be due to alterations in glucose availability to the human brain.

To measure these effects, we will use intravenous infusions of glucose and insulin.

Inclusion criteria

• well controlled type 1 diabetes (hemoglobin A1c <7.5%)
• age 18-65
• healthy controls

Exclusion criteria

• history of stroke, seizures, neurosurgical procedures, or arrhythmias
• use of drugs that can alter GABA metabolism (such as benzodiazepines).
• Subjects must also meet requirements for a study in the magnet, which includes weight less than 300 lbs and the absence of metallic substances in their body.