The Study of Exenatide Action on Vessel Function in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes

Two independent, double-blinded, crossover substudies will be conducted to test the effect of exenatide on daylong post-meal and fasting endothelial function. We will measure endothelial function measured by peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT2000, Itamar Inc.). Patients with recent onset (\<3 years) or established (\>5 years, Substudy 1 only) diabetes and impaired sugar tolerance (Substudy 2 only) will be studied. The plan is to complete studies in 75 patients (40 in Substudy 1 and 35 in Substudy 2). In Substudy 1 patients will get twice a day a skin injection of exenatide (Byetta) or identically looking placebo for 10 days, separated by 14-day period. On the next day after each treatemnt period (day 11), they get just one injection and eat a fat-enriched breakfast. A fatty lunch of similar caloric content will be given 4 hours following the breakfast. Endothelial function will be measured just prior to the injection and every 2 hours for total 8 hours. In Substudy 2, patients on 3 different days will get infusion of exenatide withg or without a blocking drug exendin-9, and a control test with placebo without exendin-9. Endothelial function will be measured before the infusion and 2 hours later during the final 15 minutes of the infusion cocktails. Patients will not eat any meal during the test visits.