Studies of Insulin and Glucagon Action in the Liver

Volunteers will undergo screening for medical history, medication usage, and blood work; those who qualify will be offered participation. Study participation will last approximately 5-12 weeks depending on appointment availability and the number of infusions planned. This protocol involves two sets of paired procedures. Approximately 15 participants will complete each set of paired visits. Participants can opt to complete one set of paired visits or both sets of paired visits.

Set 1: Each participant will complete two 5-hour hyperinsulinemic clamp procedures to examine the effects of glucagon on glucose metabolism while measuring systemic glucose turnover and related blood markers. The procedures will be identical, except for the final phase of the procedure when either saline or a stepwise glucagon infusion will be administered.

Set 2: Each participant will complete two 5-hour hyperinsulinemic clamp procedures to examine the effects of insulin on glucose metabolism while measuring systemic glucose turnover and related blood markers. The procedures will be identical, except for the final phase of the procedure when either saline or a steady glucagon infusion will be administered.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy adults age 18-45 years
• Body Mass Index (BMI) < 27.0 kg/m²
• Fasting plasma glucose ≤ 95 mg/dL or HbA1c ≤ 5.8% as measured at screening visit

Exclusion criteria

• Active medical disease: e.g. active infectious, inflammatory, neurodegenerative or mental health disorders
• No personal history of diabetes or pancreatitis
• No personal history of cardiac, gastrointestinal, renal or liver disease
• No history of diabetes among any first-degree family members
• Renal insufficiency (eGFR < 60 mL/kg/min)
• Anemia (hematocrit < 34%) as measured at screening visit
• Pregnant females
• Consumption of daily medications that alter glucose metabolism of GI function (glucocorticoids, psychotropics, narcotics, metoclopramide)