| The screening visit (Visit 1) involves 2 blood draws, a urine collection, a physical exam, a test to measure percentage of body fat, drinking a sugar drink and an electrocardiogram (EKG). Volunteers may also be asked to have an exercise stress test (also called a treadmill test), depending on the results from the screening visit.
The baseline visit (Visit 2) involves placement of two intravenous lines, administration of glucose and insulin (through the IV lines), diet instruction, a DEXA scan and a CT scan (both scans are similar to X Rays).
The inpatient visit (Visit 3) is an overnight stay of 3 nights and 2 days. During this time, two IV lines are placed, blood is drawn, urine is collected, vital signs are measured, 3 meals are provided daily and a questionnaire is given. In addition, on inpatient Day 2, we will give a low dose of LPS in order to learn more about the inflammatory effects that occur in people who are overweight. Endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a small part of bacteria (that is no longer living) that can cause many of the effects similar to bacterial infections in humans. However, it can be administered in very small amounts to produce a mild inflammatory response much the same as a 'flu' like illness. The flu-like symptoms last about 6 to 8 hours and volunteers are closely monitored by study staff and physicians. On inpatient Day 3, we will repeat the test (originally done during the baseline visit) involving glucose and insulin administration, then the study is over and volunteers are discharged from the hospital. |
