The Effects of Bethanechol on Glucose Homeostasis

NCT01434901 · Completed

Last updated 2026-05-28

This clinical trial tests whether the medication bethanechol affects insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Status Completed The study has finished.

Phase Phase 1 Checks safety and dosing in a small group.

Type Interventional (clinical trial)

Design Non-randomized, single-blind basic-science study

Participants 50 people

Who can join Ages 18–65 · all sexes Healthy volunteers accepted.

Timeline Started 2011-08 · est. completion 2014-07

Where 1 site · United States

What this study is testing ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01434901 ↗

Description as written by the study sponsor.

Xenin-25 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are hormones produced in the intestine that are released into the blood immediately after ingestion of a meal. Together, these 2 hormones increase insulin release and reduce blood glucose levels. Xenin-25 works by increasing acetylcholine release in pancreatic islets. This study will determine if a Bethanechol, a drug that is similar to acetylcholine, also increases insulin release and reduces blood glucose levels after ingestion of a mixed meal.

Treatments tested

Placebo Drug

A placebo will be taken by mouth 1 hour before ingestion of a mixed meal.
Bethanechol (25 mg) Drug

25 mg of Bethanechol will be taken by mouth 1 hour before ingestion of a mixed meal
Bethanechol (50 mg) Drug

50 mg of Bethanechol will be taken by mouth 1 hour before ingestion of a mixed meal
Bethanechol (100 mg) Drug

100 mg of Bethanechol will be taken by mouth 1 hour before ingestion of a mixed meal

Main thing measured	The effects of Bethanechol on insulin secretion rates
Sponsor	Washington University School of Medicine
Conditions studied	Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
GLP-1 drugs	—

Full protocol, eligibility, and contacts on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01434901 ↗