Effect of Naltrexone on Counterregulatory Mechanisms in Hypoglycemia

Insulin treatment often causes the blood glucose levels to fall too low. The body usually
responds to low blood glucose levels by releasing hormones which act against the insulin to
help correct the low blood glucose levels. However, this hormone response can be altered in
people with diabetes. Currently there are no therapeutic agents that can be used to improve
the recovery from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Naltrexone is a tablet used to help people
who are addicted to alcohol or morphine-based drugs to remain drug and alcohol-free but it
can also affect the levels of the hormones which are released during hypoglycemia. The aim
of this study is to determine whether naltrexone can be used to improve and accelerate the
recovery from hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes.