Stable Isotope Research Applications

Stable Isotope Assays for Measuring Glucose Metabolism

We offer end-to-end project design assistance and stable isotope analysis services to help researchers study glucose metabolism with precision and confidence.

Trusted by Pharma and Biotech to Validate Mechanism of Action

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What Sets Us Apart in Metabolic Biomarker Analysis

Our clients get more than data. They get clarity, confidence, and a partner built for the unique demands of drug development.

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35+ Years exclusively in stable isotope tracer studies

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Experimental protocol designs and results delivered weeks faster than CROs
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GLP-compliant, CLIA-certified, 21 CFR Part 11 validated

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Consultative approach, with over 1,000+ studies guided from design to submission

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A Reliable Approach to Quantifying Glucose Kinetics

The primed constant infusion of stable isotope–labeled glucose is a validated and reliable approach for quantifying glucose kinetics. This method makes it possible to explore whole-body glucose homeostasis under a variety of conditions, such as exogenous infusions of glucose, insulin, or other hormones.

Our sensitive analysis methods allow for accurate quantitation of labeled glucose in plasma with as little as 25–50 µl of sample.

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Metabolic Insights Available Through Our Glucose Kinetic Studies: 

Our glucose kinetics studies provide data on:

  • Hepatic endogenous glucose production
  • Glucose disposal rates
  • Whole-body glucose flux
  • Glucose oxidation
  • Gluconeogenesis rates
  • Lactate kinetics

How Researchers Use Our Glucose Kinetics Studies

These published protocols show how our tracer methods have been applied across different research contexts.

Application Subject Type Reference  
Glucose Kinetics 6,6-D2-glucose

Effect of IGF-1 on glucose
kinetics in healthy adults

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Euglycemic Clamps 6,6-D2-glucose Insulin-stimulated
carbohydrate metabolism
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Glucose Oxidation [U-13C6]-glucose Glucose oxidation with
moderate intensity exercise
Download
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An Innovative Method for Measuring Glucose Turnover

We also support deuterium oxide (D₂O) labeling as a powerful alternative for quantifying glucose turnover. 
Oral D₂O doses label hydrogens during TCA cycle metabolism, enabling direct measurement of gluconeogenesis rates. This technique, validated by Chacko et al. (J Appl Physiol 104:944-951, 2008), expands the toolkit for glucose metabolism research and how deuterium oxide administration can be used to quantitate gluconeogenesis rates in humans.
For detailed protocols, see our technical paper: Tracer Experiments with Glucose. Additional resources on whole-body deuterium labeling can be found in our section on  Deuteromics.

All Analyses Are Performed In Our Certified Laboratory Environment

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Trusted by Leaders in Metabolic Research

From discovery to submission, we’ve earned the confidence of industry innovators through precision, speed, and scientific depth.

They’ve been very consistent… the sample analysis and data has always been timely and high quality.

There are academic labs that do it as well, but they’re much harder to engage and contract with.

I think they’re extremely organized and very on top of sample management. All the interactions that I’ve had with them have been great.

Looking for Answers?

Frequently Asked Questions

What processes can be measured in glucose kinetics studies?

Our assays provide data on hepatic endogenous glucose production, glucose disposal rates, whole-body glucose flux, glucose oxidation, gluconeogenesis, and lactate kinetics.

Which tracers are used in your protocols?

Examples include 6,6-D₂-glucose for glucose kinetics and euglycemic clamp studies, and [U-13C₆]-glucose for glucose oxidation.

Do you support alternative approaches beyond infusion methods?

Yes. We can also determine glucose turnover using oral deuterium oxide (D₂O) labeling, which enables quantitation of gluconeogenesis rates in humans.

Contact Us

Contact us to design your glucose kinetics study and get regulatory-ready data that accelerates therapeutic development

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Metabolic Solutions, LLC.
460 Amherst St., Nashua,
NH 03063, USA

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 6:00 pm EST