Effects of Tirzepatide and Insulin Glargine on Diabetes and Brain Function

Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University

Phase 4 Interventional Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University · NCT05553093

This study tests whether the diabetes medications Tirzepatide and Insulin Glargine can improve blood sugar levels and brain function in people with type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorNanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT05553093 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how Tirzepatide and Insulin Glargine affect glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as inflammation, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, it evaluates the impact of Tirzepatide on cognitive impairment and the associated changes in brain neural networks. The study involves administering these medications to eligible participants and monitoring their metabolic and cognitive responses over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who have been on stable metformin therapy and meet specific metabolic criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with type 1 diabetes or those with a history of certain eye conditions related to diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve management strategies for type 2 diabetes and potentially enhance cognitive function in affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with Tirzepatide in managing diabetes, but the specific focus on cognitive impairment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed according to World Health Organization(WHO) classification or other locally applicable diagnostic criteria.
* Received stable metformin with or without sulfonylureas at least 2 months prior to visit 1 and between visits 1 and 3 (metformin ≥ 1000 mg/ day and does not exceed the maximum dose specified in the nationally approved guidelines;Sulfonylureas should be at least half of the maximum dose as stated in the national approved instructions).
* No insulin treatment (except for gestational diabetes or short-term use in acute Settings \[duration ≤14 days\]).
* At visit 1, HbA1c ≥ 7.5% and ≤ 11.0% was determined according to the central laboratory.
* Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)
* Had chronic or acute pancreatitis at any time prior to visit 1.
* A history of proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular degeneration or non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring acute treatment.
* History of severe hypoglycemia and/or insensitive hypoglycemia within 6 months prior to visit 1.
* History of ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar state/coma
* Have a known clinically significant gastric emptying disorder (e.g., severe diabetic gastroparesis or gastric outlet obstruction), have received or plan to undergo gastric bypass surgery or restrictive bariatric surgery (e.g., Lap-Band®) during the study period, or take long-term medications that directly affect gastrointestinal motility.
* Had any of the following cardiovascular diseases in the 2 months prior to the visit: acute myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or hospitalization due to congestive heart failure (CHF).
* New York Heart Association Classification of Heart Function Class III and Class IV CHF.
* Have acute or chronic hepatitis, have signs or symptoms of any liver disease other than non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or have alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels \> 3.0 times the upper limit of the normal range determined by the central laboratory at visit 1;For NAFLD patients, only ALT levels ≤ 3.0 times the upper limit of the normal range (ULN) were eligible for this trial.
* The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated based on the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation(CKD-EPI)formula was less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, as determined by the central laboratory at visit 1.
* The researchers suggest that there is evidence of significant, poorly controlled endocrine abnormalities, such as thyrotoxicosis or adrenal crisis.
* Family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or type 2 multiple endocrine tumor syndrome.
* Serum calcitonin level ≥ 35 ng/L (pg/mL) was determined by the central laboratory at visit 1.
* There was significant evidence of active autoimmune abnormalities (e.g., lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) and the investigators suggested that systemic glucocorticoid therapy might be required in the following 12 months.
* Has received an organ transplant (corneal transplant allowed) or is waiting for an organ transplant.
* A history of active or untreated malignancy, or a remission period of less than 5 years for a clinically significant malignancy (other than basal or squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or carcinoma in situ of the prostate).
* Presence of any other medical history (e.g., known drug or alcohol abuse or mental illness) that the investigator considered would have prevented the patient from complying with and completing the study protocol.
* Presence of any blood disorders that may interfere with HbA1c measurements (e.g., hemolytic anemia, sickle cell disease).

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.