Can blocking a nerve signal help insulin work better?
NCT ID NCT03318094
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is looking at how certain nerve signals (called sympathetic vasoconstriction) might interfere with insulin's ability to widen blood vessels and take up sugar. The researchers will give a drug called phentolamine into the arm to temporarily block those signals, then measure changes in blood flow and insulin sensitivity. The study involves 36 adults aged 18-60 who are obese and have insulin resistance or well-controlled type 2 diabetes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Phentolamine (alpha-adrenergic blocker)
What this could lead to
If successful, this study could point toward new ways to improve insulin sensitivity in people with obesity and insulin resistance.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small study (36 people) testing a short-term drug infusion in the arm. It is not designed to prove a treatment works, only to understand the body's response.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for OBESITY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Autonomic Dysfunction Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States