Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Early Phase 1 Interventional Ages 18 to 80

Effects of oral ketones on heart function in patients with diabetes and heart failure

Official title: Acute and Chronic Effects of Oral Ketones in Subjects With HFrEF and Diabetes

Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT06108076 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if taking ketone supplements can help improve heart function in people with diabetes and heart failure.

More Type 2 Diabetes trials

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment10 (estimated)
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Antonio, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 16, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedJanuary 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT06108076 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with stable heart failure on guideline-directed medications and controlled diabetes.

Probably not a fit

Patients with certain contraindications, such as those on specific heart medications or with severe renal impairment, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of oral Ketone Esters (KE) on cardiac function in patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction. Participants will receive two doses of KE during a visit, followed by multiple cardiac MRI scans to assess changes in heart function. Blood samples will be collected at various intervals to analyze metabolic responses to the ketones. The study aims to determine if KE can improve heart performance in this patient population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new dietary interventions that improve heart function in patients with diabetes and heart failure.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of ketone esters in cardiac health is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies suggest potential benefits, though comprehensive data is limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects must be on a stable dose of guideline-directed medications for Heart Failure (HF).
* Patients will have an established diagnosis of HF before the screening visit, documented by an acceptable imaging modality in the last 6 months.
* Age = 18-80 y
* Body Mass Index (BMI) =23-38 kg/m2
* Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) = 6.0-10.0%
* Blood Pressure (BP) \< 145/85 mmHg
* Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) \> 30 ml/min•1.73 m2
* For women of child-bearing age (WOCBA) willingness to use contraception, if applicable.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients treated with Sodium-Glucose Transport Protein (SGLT2i's) or medications that may impair heart function or acutely worsen glycemic control will be excluded.
* Pregnancy, lactation, or plans to become pregnant. A negative pregnancy test will be performed before each Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study to assess current status.
* Allergy/sensitivity to study drugs or their ingredients.
* Current drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements.
* Inability or unwillingness of individual or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
* Subjects with a history of cancer (except basal or squamous cell cancer that has been resolved/remission for 5 years)
* Cardiovascular event within the last 3 months
* Major organ or metabolic diseases, or physical limitations that will not allow the subject to complete the study.

Where it's running

  • University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
    San Antonio, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Carolina Solis-Herrera, MD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • Study coordinator: Carolina Solis-Herrera, MD
  • Email: solisherrera@uthscsa.edu
  • Phone: 210-567-4900

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.