Description:

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the causes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

This study involves coming to the Joslin Diabetes Center for 1 visit. For some participants, there may be an opportunity to take part in a 2nd visit.
 

At Visit 1 the following will take place:

• Medical history, physical exam, EKG, and laboratory testing.
• A blood sample will be collected for DNA.
• Questionnaires about symptoms and health.
• Providing a stool sample (collected at home) to assess bacteria in the intestine (microbiome).
   

If participating, Visit 2 involves:

• Following a specific meal plan for 3 days prior to this visit, and arriving fasting.
• Part of the physical examination will be repeated.
• Meal test with a collection of blood samples measuring glucose levels, and a variety of hormones.
• Instructions will be given on glucose monitoring and wearing of a continuous glucose monitoring device for 10 days at home.
• Keeping a log of food, activity, and glucose levels over the same 10 day period while also wearing a FitBit activity tracker. Compensation and parking costs will be provided.

Recruitment:

• Ages 18-65
• Individuals who have a diagnosis of low blood sugars and no history of upper gastrointestinal surgery, and no current diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes.
• Individuals who have had gastric bypass and have developed low blood sugars.
• Healthy individuals without a history of surgery (for comparison).
   

Contact:

Cameron Cummings at (617) 309-4463 or  Hypoglycemiastudy [at] joslin.harvard.edu

CHS(#STUDY00000095)