Evaluation of biomarkers for predicting macronutrient intake

Overview

You may be familiar with continuous glucose monitors (or CGMs) commonly worn by those with diabetes or seen on commercials. These are small devices that monitor glucose levels of the body on a 24-hour basis and link to software for you to monitor the levels in real-time without painful finger pricks. The purpose of this study is to work alongside engineers to create the next generation of this device. Instead of only looking at glucose, we will also be looking at amino acids. By studying the metabolism of amino acids and how the body uses them, we can better understand the maintenance of muscles since amino acids make up proteins and proteins make up muscle.

To be eligible for this study you must be between the ages of 50 and 75 (inclusive) with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 (inclusive). You can estimate your BMI here. If you are interested in the study, you will start with an initial screening visit to meet the study team and learn more about the procedures. If you are eligible, you will be scheduled for 4 additional study days that will last about 14 hours. On the study days we ask you to come in the morning fasted, we will provide you with 2 carefully created and very yummy meals, and in the evenings you will be sent home with a goodie bag of snacks. During the day you will have two devices attached, an IV collecting blood samples from one arm, and a catheter in the other arm collecting fluid samples from outside the blood called interstitial fluid. Because the study days are longer than usual, you will have up to 6 weeks to complete these 4 study days, and you can do a maximum of 2 visits in one week.