Scientists probe why insulin fails to control fat in Upper-Body obesity
NCT ID NCT03866408
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-phase study at Mayo Clinic is looking at why insulin doesn't properly control fat breakdown in people with upper-body obesity. Researchers will test the diabetes drug pioglitazone and weight loss programs in 64 adults to see how fat cells respond. The goal is to understand the underlying biology, not to find an immediate cure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Pioglitazone
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could reveal why insulin fails to control fat breakdown in upper-body obesity, pointing toward better treatments for insulin resistance.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study focused on understanding biological mechanisms, not on proving a treatment works. Results may not lead to new therapies.
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
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 64 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2018
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 to 55 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: * Men and Women between the ages of 18 and 55. * Women will be premenopausal * Non obese adults BMI between 18-25 * Obese BMI 30-38 Exclusion Criteria, Pioglitazone package insert of contraindications for use: * Initiation in patients with established New York Heart Associations (NYHA) class III or IV Heart failure. * Use in patients with known hypersensitivity to pioglitazone or any other component of ACTOSE.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mayo Clinic in Rochester
RECRUITINGRochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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