Could insulin in the brain be linked to depression in teens?

NCT ID NCT05571878

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study examined 24 adolescents (ages 14-18) with and without depression to see if their brains respond differently to insulin. Participants received insulin or a placebo nasal spray, and MRI scans measured brain activity and blood flow. The goal was to understand if brain insulin resistance is a feature of depression, which could open new avenues for future treatments.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: intranasal insulin (Humalog) and saline placebo nasal spray
What this could lead to: If it works, this could reveal a new biological link between insulin and depression, pointing toward future treatments targeting brain metabolism.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 24 participants, so results may not apply broadly. It is designed to gather knowledge, not to test a treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder dysthymic disorder Insulin Resistance major depressive disorder type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSION MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H3, Canada

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