NCT07666321Completed
Ethnic Differences in Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in the Development of Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
Ethnic Differences in the Role of Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 30 Jun 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
This pilot study investigates the relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and adipose tissue dysfunction across different ethnic groups. Adipose tissue dysfunction is characterised by abnormal fat distribution, including increased visceral, hepatic, and pancreatic fat, elevated inflammatory biomarkers, and impaired metabolic function. T2D is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by insulin resistance and disrupted glucose regulation. In the UK, its prevalence is significantly higher among South Asian and Black African/Caribbean populations than among White Europeans. Differences in adipose tissue distribution, particularly increased visceral fat accumulation, are thought to contribute to this disparity. Adipose tissue dysfunction, including chronic inflammation and altered adipokine secretion, is also associated with the development and progression of T2D. Previous studies have identified ethnic differences in body fat distribution and metabolic risk. Genetic factors influencing adipose tissue function may partly explain variations in fat storage and susceptibility to T2D across populations. However, the specific contribution of adipose tissue dysfunction to ethnic differences in T2D risk remains unclear. Evidence suggests that South Asians tend to have higher levels of liver and ectopic fat and a reduced capacity for safe subcutaneous fat storage, leading to fat accumulation in metabolically harmful sites. These characteristics are associated with increased insulin resistance and T2D risk. In contrast, Black populations often exhibit lower levels of visceral fat but still experience a high prevalence of T2D, indicating that factors beyond fat quantity may contribute to disease risk. Despite extensive research on ethnic disparities in metabolic health, few studies have directly compared markers of adipose tissue dysfunction across South Asian, Black African/Caribbean, and White European populations within a single study. This study aims to address this gap and improve understanding of the mechanisms linking adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance, and T2D. The findings may help inform more targeted prevention and treatment strategies for ethnically diverse populations in the UK.
- Status (registry)
- Completed
- Study type
- Observational
- Enrollment
- 39 (actual)
- First submitted
- 26 May 2026
- Start date
- 10 Jan 2025
- Primary completion date
- 12 May 2026
- Lead sponsor
- University of Roehampton
- Diseases
- Type 2 diabetes
- NCT number
- NCT07666321
What you commit to
- Study type: Observational
- Participants enrolled: 39
- From 10 Jan 2025 to the primary completion date, 12 May 2026
- 2 sites in 1 country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Prior treatment
- Previous diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Current use of corticosteroids or other medications affecting metabolic function
- Contraindications to MRI, including:
- metallic implants
- pacemakers
- severe claustrophobia
- Participation in another clinical or interventional research study within the previous 3 months
Other illness
- History of cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, endocrine, or metabolic disease that may interfere with study outcomes or participant safety
- history of substance or alcohol misuse
Lab values
- HbA1c values within the diabetic range at screening
- Presence of chronic medical conditions known to affect:
- glucose metabolism
- insulin sensitivity
- adipose tissue distribution
- inflammatory or metabolic status
- Current use of medications known to influence:
- glucose metabolism
- insulin sensitivity
- lipid metabolism
- body composition
Other
- Body Mass Index (BMI) \<25 kg/m²
- Inability to undergo venepuncture or cannulation procedures safely
- Inability or unwillingness to comply with study procedures or provide informed consent
Who the study is looking for
- Male
- Aged 18-65 years
- Self-identify as one of the following ethnic groups:
- Black African/Caribbean South Asian White European
- Self-reported ancestry from the same ethnic background for at least three generations
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² and ≤40 kg/m²
- Overweight or obese but otherwise generally healthy
- Generally healthy, with no serious long-term medical conditions or taking medications that may alter body fat distribution
- Residing in the United Kingdom
- Able to understand written and spoken English
- Able and willing to provide written informed consent
- Willing and able to comply with all study procedures, including:
- Screening assessments
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
- Blood sampling
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Age in the registry: 18 years to 65 years · Sex: Male
Sites (2)
Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adele Costabile Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | London | United Kingdom | Unknown status |
| University of Roehampton, School of Life and Health Sciences Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | London | United Kingdom | Unknown status |
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.