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

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.