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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 16, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06108076 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.
-
Acute Blood Flow Restriction Walking in Type 2 Diabetes
This study tests whether adding blood flow restriction to treadmill walking affects immune cells in adults with type 2 diabetes.
-
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 2 Diabetes Not on Insulin
This study tests whether using a continuous glucose monitoring system helps people with type 2 diabetes who aren’t using insulin to improve blood sugar control and quality of life.
-
Differentiating heart disease in autoimmune vs. type 2 diabetes
This study tests whether adult-onset autoimmune diabetes (AID/LADA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) differ in how diabetic heart disease develops, using advanced heart imaging in people with AID, T2D, and healthy controls.
-
Lifestyle Metabotype Study B: Understanding Personalized Glucose Responses
This study tests how lifestyle, metabolism, and brain energy use relate to each person’s blood sugar response after meals, across people with and without prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
-
Lifestyle Metabotype Study: How Daily Habits Shape Blood Sugar
This observational study tests whether personal lifestyle and biological factors can predict how a person’s blood sugar responds after meals.
-
Switching to Zenagamtide From Tirzepatide in Adults With Overweight or Obesity With or Without Type 2 Diabetes
This study tests whether adults who are overweight or have obesity (with or without type 2 diabetes) can switch from tirzepatide to a new treatment called zenagamtide to find a tolerable dose.
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.