Dapagliflozin, Pioglitazone, and Ketone Production in Type 1 Diabetes
Official title: Protocol V: San Antonio Site Sub Study: Can Pioglitazone Block SGLT2 Inhibitor-induced Stimulation of Lipolysis, Ketone Production and Liver Glucose Production in Type I Diabetic Patients
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT07056699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding pioglitazone to dapagliflozin in adults with type 1 diabetes can lessen liver glucose production, fat breakdown, and ketone production while on insulin.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation, prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07056699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with type 1 diabetes, on insulin therapy, with poor glycemic control (HbA1c 7.0–11.0%), and specific lab criteria including low fasting C-peptide and adequate kidney function.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without the specific eligibility features or those at higher risk for adverse effects may not benefit from this combination therapy.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase 3 interventional trial investigates the effects of combining dapagliflozin with pioglitazone versus placebo in adults with type 1 diabetes who are on insulin. The study looks at how the combination influences hepatic glucose output, lipolysis, and ketogenesis, with safety monitoring given the risk of ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2 inhibitors. Participants will receive dapagliflozin 10 mg, pioglitazone at either 15 mg or 30 mg, or placebo, alongside their standard insulin therapy. The trial aims to determine if adding pioglitazone can improve metabolic control and mitigate some of the metabolic effects seen with SGLT2 inhibitors in T1D. Location is in San Antonio, Texas, with collaboration from NIDDK and UT Health San Antonio.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combination could offer better blood sugar control and safer use of SGLT2 inhibitors in adults with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies with SGLT2 inhibitors in type 1 diabetes showed glucose lowering but raised ketoacidosis concerns; adding pioglitazone is a novel approach with uncertain outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA
1. Age \>18 years
2. T1D
3. Other than diabetes, subjects must be in good general health as determined by the investigator based on physical exam, medical history and screening labs.
Minor deviations may be permitted if:
* The abnormality is not considered clinically significant.
* The deviation does not pose a safety risk or interfere with study participation.
* The rationale for inclusion is documented in the source records.
4. Fasting C-peptide concentration \<0.7 ng/ml
5. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c=7.0-11.0%)
6. Treatment with multiple daily insulin injections (basal plus prandial) or insulin pump
7. Total daily insulin dose ≥0.6 U/kg per day
8. Stable insulin dose (±4 units) in the preceding three months
9. eGFR ≥ 50 ml/min
10. Weight stable over the preceding 3 months (± 4 pounds)
11. Positive GAD antibody (Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase antibody). \*
* Testing for GAD antibodies will be performed during the screening visit. Participants who test positive for GAD antibodies will be eligible for enrollment in the study. Over time, these antibodies may disappear, reducing the likelihood of a positive result during screening. If participant tests negative for GAD antibodies, their medical history will be reviewed to determine whether testing for GAD antibodies was performed at an earlier stage of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). If prior positive results are confirmed, the participant may be enrolled. If a participant tests positive for antibodies other than GAD, an exception request will be submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
1. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
2. Daily insulin dose \<0.6 U/kg per day
3. Fasting C-peptide \>0.7 ng/ml
4. HbA1c \<7.0% or \>11.0%
5. eGFR \< 50 ml/min
6. Hematuria in urine analysis
7. Pregnancy, lactating, positive pregnancy test or planning to become pregnant in the following year. Women of child-bearing potential will be required to undergo a pregnancy test prior to enrollment and must agree to use effective contraception (at least two barrier methods) for the duration of the study.
8. Major organ system disease which includes: (i) malignancy or history of malignancy including bladder cancer; (ii) Congestive heart failure or history of coronary heart disease or any other cardiac disease; (iii) chronic liver disease or LFT \>3 times the upper normal level; (iv) History of alcohol or drug abuse; (v) History of chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD, asthma); (vi) history of rheumatic disease; (vii) History of chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery; (viii) History of CVA or TIA (ix) Planned surgery during the study; (x) history of HIV infection or other immune compromised disease; and history of organ transplantation; (xi) patients who take medications, other than insulin, known to affect glucose metabolism, e.g., prednisone.
9. Evidence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy
10. Patients enrolled in a heavy exercise program
11. Patients on ketogenic diet
12. History of hospitalization for DKA, hypoglycemia or uncontrolled hyperglycemia in the preceding 6 month.
13. Presence of symptoms of poor glycemic control, e.g. polydipsia or polyurea
14. History of hypersensitivity to dapagliflozin or pioglitazone
15. Participants with a history of radiation exposure exceeding 5 REM within the previous 12 months will be excluded.
Prior to the screening period, potential participants will be pre-screened either by phone or in person at the Texas Diabetes Institute. Individuals with prior significant radiation exposure will be excluded.
Where it's running
-
Texas Diabetes Institute
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Abdul-Ghani, MD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Ralph DeFronzo, MD
- Email: defronzo@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: 210 567 6691
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.