Phase 1 Trial of Arginine Hydrochloride for the Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 2 Diabetes

Conditions

• Diabetes (DM)
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Hyperglycaemia (Diabetic)
• Ketosis Prone Diabetes

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - N/A

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Interventions

• Arginine hydrochloride — DRUG
  Single intravenous infusion of arginine hydrochloride 30 g in 300 mL 10% solution (R-Gene® 10), administered over 30 minutes via infusion pump. Given as early as feasible after recognition of DKA and in addition to standard DKA care (fluids, insulin, electrolytes) at the treating clinician's discretion. Investigational pharmacy prepares and dispenses blinded study drug; containers are covered to mask appearance and infusion parameters match placebo. Continuous safety monitoring with prespecified stop criteria. Study blood draws at 0 (pre-infusion), 10, 30, and 90 minutes for C-peptide/glucose and amino acids; clinical labs track β-hydroxybutyrate clearance and total insulin over 24 hours.
• Sodium Chloride 0.9% — DRUG
  Placebo comparator: 0.9% sodium chloride administered as a single 30-minute intravenous infusion using identical tubing, pump settings, and covered container as the active arm to preserve blinding. Initiated as early as feasible after recognition of DKA and provided in addition to standard DKA care at the treating clinician's discretion. Study assessments occur on the same schedule as the active arm (0, 10, 30, and 90 minutes) with continuous safety monitoring during and after infusion and follow-up through 90 days.

Study Details

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is increasingly recognized in adults with "ketone-prone" type 2 diabetes. In many of these patients, the pancreas can still make insulin but becomes temporarily "stunned" during severe, prolonged high blood sugar. Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that can trigger the pancreas to release its own insulin when glucose is high. It is FDA-approved for other uses and has been given intravenously for decades with a strong safety record. Whether a single arginine infusion given early during DKA can safely boost the body's insulin and speed recovery has not been tested. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 trial will enroll 60 adults who present to one of four Detroit-area emergency departments with DKA consistent with ketone-prone type 2 diabetes (high glucose and significant ketones). Participants will receive standard DKA care ordered by their clinicians. In addition, under blinded conditions they will receive either arginine hydrochloride 30 grams (in 300 mL) or placebo (normal saline), infused intravenously over 30 minutes as early as feasible after DKA is recognized. The main question is whether arginine increases endogenous (self-made) insulin soon after infusion. We will measure C-peptide (a marker released in equal amounts with insulin) and glucose at 10, 30, and 90 minutes after the start of the infusion and calculate the C-peptide/glucose ratio. Secondary measures include the rate of ketone (β-hydroxybutyrate) clearance and the total insulin dose required in the first 24 hours. Additional blood tests will examine arginine and related amino acids, and a small sample of platelets will be used to explore mitochondrial function. Safety will be closely monitored during and after the infusion, and participants will be contacted at 90 days to assess for any delayed problems. Potential risks include temporary flushing, nausea, or headache; the infusion can be stopped at any time if needed. Potential benefits include faster resolution of ketosis and reduced insulin needs, but benefits cannot be guaranteed for individual participants.

Key Dates

Start date

Dec 19, 2025

Status verified

Feb 2026

Primary completion

Oct 31, 2027

Completion

Dec 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment

60 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Arms

• Active Comparator: Arginine Hydrochloride 30 g IV + Standard DKA Care
  Single, blinded 30-minute intravenous infusion of arginine hydrochloride 30 g/300 mL (R-Gene® 10), initiated as early as feasible after recognition of DKA, in addition to standard DKA management (fluids, insulin, electrolytes) at the treating clinician's discretion. Infusion procedures are matched to placebo (covered containers; standardized pump settings) to maintain blinding. Study blood draws occur at 0 (pre-infusion), 10, 30, and 90 minutes for C-peptide/glucose and targeted amino acids; clinical labs are used to assess β-hydroxybutyrate clearance and total insulin administered in the first 24 h.
• Placebo Comparator: Placebo (0.9% Saline) IV + Standard DKA Care
  Single, blinded 30-minute intravenous infusion of matching placebo: 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) in a 500 mL container, administered at a standardized rate to mimic the active arm, plus standard DKA management directed by the treating team. Appearance and administration procedures match the arginine arm (covered containers; identical pumps/tubing) to preserve blinding. Study blood draws and assessments occur on the same schedule as the arginine arm (0, 10, 30, and 90 minutes).

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in endogenous insulin secretion (C-peptide/glucose ratio) [ Time Frame: Baseline (pre-infusion) to 90 minutes after infusion start ]

Central Contacts

• David K Carroll, M.D.
  16175830221
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in Detroit, MI

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