Dietary Glycemic Index, Brain Function and Food Intake in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Summary

Processed carbohydrates cause rapid changes in blood sugar and have been associated with overeating and obesity. We have shown that test meals high in processed carbohydrate affect brain areas involved in addiction, craving and overeating. It is unknown whether the changes in blood sugar or the associated higher insulin levels mediate this brain activation and its likely adverse effects.

Answering this question is important for patients with type 1 diabetes who have elevated risks of obesity and disordered eating: If blood sugar is the causal mechanism, optimal insulin coverage should be protective. If insulin is the causal mechanism, however, a diet high in processed carbohydrate could predispose to overeating and weight gain, as this diet requires higher insulin doses.

To disentangle these factors, we will study brain activation and relevant blood markers in 15 men with diabetes. In 4 sessions, we will examine meals with differential carbohydrate properties while giving insulin infusions.

Conditions

• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1

Interventions

OTHER

high GI meal

High and low GI liquid test meals are matched for macronutrient composition (60% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 25% fat), micronutrient profiles, physical properties, palatability and sweetness. Meals will provide 25% of individual daily energy requirements as estimated by the Harris Benedict equation. A high glycemic index of \~90 is achieved by using corn syrup as a carbohydrate source.

OTHER

low GI meal

High and low GI liquid test meals are matched for macronutrient composition (60% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 25% fat), micronutrient profiles, physical properties, palatability and sweetness. Meals will provide 25% of individual daily energy requirements as estimated by the Harris Benedict equation. A low glycemic index of \~40 is achieved by using uncooked corn starch as a carbohydrate source.

DRUG

euglycemic insulin clamp

Insulin will be given intravenously for 5 hours. During the entire clamp protocol, glucose levels will be measured every 5 minutes. A basal insulin infusion will be started at 80% of the patients insulin pump basal rate, and will be adjusted between 0.1 and 2.5 mU/kg•min, depending upon the patient's plasma glucose level in relation to the target range target of 90-100 mg/dl.

DRUG

primed-variable insulin infusion

A primed-variable infusion of insulin will be administered at the rate established to achieve euglycemia after a low glycemic index meal. This is expected to result in moderate hyperglycemia as the high GI meal is associated with higher insulin requirements. For patient safety, glucose levels will be measured every 30 minutes. If glucose levels are \> 400 mg/dl or \< 60 mg/dl, insulin infusion will be adjusted to maintain glucose levels target of 60-400 mg/dl.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

  collaborator OTHER

• Brigham and Women's Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Boston Children's Hospital

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Belinda S Lennerz, MD, PhD · Boston Children's Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2016-07-31

Primary Completion

2018-05-31

Completion

2018-05-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations