Glucagon's brain boost? tiny study explores Hormone's hidden effects
NCT ID NCT06685146
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed pilot study looked at how the hormone glucagon affects brain function and insulin release, independent of its usual role in raising blood sugar. Fifteen healthy adults received a glucagon infusion on one day and a glucose infusion on another, while researchers measured insulin markers and tested cognitive performance. The goal was to understand glucagon's direct effects on the brain and pancreas, separate from changes in blood sugar.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Glucagon
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could reveal new ways glucagon influences brain function and insulin release, potentially guiding future treatments for metabolic or cognitive disorders.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study (15 healthy people) with no disease focus. Results may not apply to patients or lead to any direct treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Nov 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
25 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Capable of understanding the participant information and signing the consent form * Between 25 and 70 years of age at the time of screening * Body mass index (BMI) ≤ 25 kg/m2 at the time of screening * A minimum of 7 years of schooling Exclusion Criteria: * Enrolment in other research projects that might interfere with the study * Diabetes diagnosis (type 1 and 2) * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Use of medications which, in the opinion of the investigator, may jeopardise participant's safety or compliance with the protocol * Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, dementias, or any other neurological disorders that in the opinion of the investigator precludes compliance with the study protocol, evaluation of the results or represents an unacceptable risk for the participants safety * Severe claustrophobia * Impaired liver function defined as either alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) ≥ 2 times normal values * Kidney disease defined as serum creatinine levels ≥ 126 μmol/L for male and ≥ 111 μmol/L for female * Cardiac problems including any of the following: 1. Classified as being in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV 2. Angina pectoris (chest pain) within the last 6 months 3. Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) within last 2 years * Inadequately treated blood pressure at screening defined as repeated resting blood pressure outside the range 90-150 mmHg for systolic and 50-100 mmHg for diastolic * Active or recent malignant disease * Inability to perform neuropsychological tests judged by the investigator (e.g. visual or auditory impairment or language barriers) * Current or history of severe alcohol use or drug/chemical abuse as per investigator's judgement * Any chronic disorders or severe diseases which, in the opinion of the investigator, might jeopardise participant's safety or compliance with the protocol
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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
Locations
-
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
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