Effects of Ketone Bodies on Insulin Sensitivity

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Insulin Resistance, Obesity & Overweight, Energy Metabolism, Ketone Body Metabolism

In brief

KETO-SENSE is a clinical research study investigating how ketone bodies affect energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity in humans. Ketone bodies are naturally produced by the liver during fasting or prolonged exercise and can serve as an alternative fuel for the brain, heart, and muscles. In this study, ten overweight but otherwise healthy adults aged 55-70 years will participate in four study days at Aarhus University Hospital. Participants will receive one of four interventions in a randomized crossover design: 1) growth hormone (GH) and a ketone supplement, 2) GH and placebo, 3) a saline infusion with the ketone supplement, or 4) placebo (saline infusion and placebo supplement). The study uses advanced PET/CT imaging, indirect calorimetry, and tissue biopsies to measure how ketones influence fat breakdown, glucose uptake, and energy expenditure. By understanding these mechanisms, the study aims to clarify whether oral ketone supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism - findings that could be relevant for common conditions such as overweight, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07359625
Run by: University of Aarhus
People needed: 10
Starts: 2025-12-02
Expected to finish: 2028-04-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-01-22

Who can join

Age: 55 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

Age range: 55-70 yr
BMI: 25 - 35 kg/m2

You may not qualify if…

Any evidence of acute or chronic illnesses, apart from well-controlled hypertension, that is judged by the investigators to impact the study

Where it is running

Aarhus University Hospital — Aarhus N, Denmark (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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