Lack of sleep may trigger diabetes through hormone changes

NCT ID NCT02256865

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at how not getting enough sleep changes hormones like cortisol and testosterone, and whether that leads to insulin resistance—a key step toward type 2 diabetes. Forty healthy men aged 22-45 took part. Researchers used drugs to mimic or block these hormone changes to understand the connection.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Ketoconazole, Hydrocortisone, Testosterone, and placebos

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could help explain why poor sleep increases diabetes risk, pointing toward ways to prevent it.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small study with only 40 men. It is designed to understand mechanisms, not to test a treatment, so direct health benefits are not expected.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Insulin Resistance

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute

    Torrance, California, 90509, United States