Exocrine-Endocrine Pancreatic Crosstalk: Precision Pathways to Reframe Diabetes Pathophysiology
440 participantsStarted 2026-09
Plain-language summary
The EXPAND study is a prospective observational study designed to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
The study will enroll adults with and without pancreatic disease, including patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, individuals with chronic pancreatitis, subjects at high risk of type 2 diabetes, and patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Clinical, metabolic, imaging, genetic, microbiome, and molecular data will be integrated to identify distinct metabolic endotypes and to investigate the interactions between the exocrine pancreas, endocrine pancreas, and adipose tissue. The ultimate goal is to improve the understanding of diabetes pathophysiology and support the development of precision medicine approaches.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 78 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 20 to 78 years.
* Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.
* Eligibility for one of the study cohorts:
* Individuals undergoing pancreatectomy for non-endocrine pancreatic disease.
* Individuals with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing pancreatectomy.
* Individuals with chronic pancreatitis or a previous episode of acute pancreatitis.
* Individuals at increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, including impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance.
* Individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.
* Ability to undergo study-related metabolic assessments and sample collection procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Age \<20 years or \>78 years.
* Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial involving an investigational medicinal product within 30 days before enrollment.
* Clinical conditions that preclude completion of the planned metabolic assessments.
* Inability to comply with study procedures.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Identification and Characterization of Metabolic Endotypes
Timeframe: At baseline and during study assessments up to 60 months