Effects of DPP-4 Inhibition on Triglycerides

The purpose of this study is to test the effects of saxagliptin, a treatment for diabetes, on fasting and post-meal blood triglyceride (blood fat) levels.

This study is designed to help us understand the effects of DPP-4 inhibition on triglyceride levels before and after eating.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Willing to provide signed written informed consent
* Men and women aged 18-80 years
* Type 2 diabetes (as defined by the ADA - see reference 18)
* Baseline HgbA1c between 6.5% and 8%; HgbA1c 7.5-8.0% among subjects taking sulfonylureas
* Baseline plasma triglyceride concentration between 200 and 700 mg/dl
* Stable diabetes medication regimen for at least 12 weeks prior to study entry
* Taking a statin for at least 8 weeks, unless statin therapy is contraindicated or intolerable
* Treatment with other lipid-lowering medications only if the dose has been stable for \> 8 weeks.
* Non-smoker
* Body mass index \< 45.0 kg/m2
* BP \< 140/85
* Normal serum TSH and free T4 concentrations (hypothyroid subjects taking a stable replacement dose of levothyroxine will be allowed if they are biochemically euthyroid)
* Subjects will otherwise be healthy
* Women of child-bearing potential must be willing to use reliable contraception, as defined by our IRB, throughout the study (There are currently no FDA recommended restrictions on the use of saxagliptin in sexually active men, or requirements for contraception in their wives or sexual partners)
* Able and willing to complete study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Transaminase concentrations \> 2 times the ULN. (Mild elevations of AST and ALT will be allowed up to 2x ULN at baseline if there is no evidence of viral hepatitis or intrinsic liver disease. Since many of these subjects may have some degree of hepatic steatosis, a key intervention is the implementation of treatment to lower glucose and triglycerides)
* Estimated creatinine clearance \< 60 ml/min
* Microalbumin-creatinine ratio \> 120
* Alcohol consumption \> 1 drink daily in women and \> 2 drinks daily in men
* Pancreatitis within the preceding 6 months
* Type 1 diabetes
* History of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
* Cardiovascular disease (CAD, stroke, PVD)
* Known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
* Viral hepatitis
* Pregnancy or lactation
* A current diagnosis of active non-dermatologic cancer
* Other life-threatening illness
* History of small bowel resection or gastric bypass surgery
* Use of glucocorticoid medications, beta blockers, thiazide diuretics, excess alcohol intake (beta-blockers and thiazide diuretic will be allowed, if necessary, if the dose has been stable for \> 12 weeks prior to study entry and the dose will remain stable throughout the study. Complete exclusion of these drugs would exclude a substantial proportion of diabetic patients)
* Use of systemic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP 3A4/5) inhibitors such as ketaconazole, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir and telithromycin.
* Current enrollment in another research study or use of any investigational drug within 90 days of study entry
* Other medical conditions that may interfere with participation in the study, in the opinion of the investigator