Examining how autophagy affects blood vessel function in Type 2 Diabetes

Role of Autophagy in Type 2 Diabetes Microvascular Dysfunction

EARLY_PHASE1 · Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT05593549

This study is testing if a supplement that boosts a process called autophagy can improve blood vessel function in adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical College of Wisconsin (other)
Locations1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05593549 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of autophagy on microvascular function in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Participants will undergo two study days, where the first day will assess their microvascular function, followed by a 14-day supplementation period with either trehalose, an autophagy activator, or a placebo. The second study day will again evaluate microvascular function to determine the effects of the intervention. The study aims to clarify whether Type 2 Diabetes impairs autophagy and subsequently affects microvascular health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with a clinical diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes or otherwise healthy individuals with minimal cardiovascular risk factors.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, significant cardiovascular disease, or other specified health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving microvascular function in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of autophagy in vascular health is being explored, this specific approach in the context of Type 2 Diabetes and microvascular function is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must be between 18-80 yrs. of age and will be delineated into two groups

* Clinical Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in accordance with American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines (Type 2 Diabetic group)
* Otherwise healthy individuals (Healthy control group) with no more than 1 cardiovascular risk factor

Exclusion Criteria:

* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Current Tobacco use or within last 6 months
* BMI \> 35
* Hyperlipidemia
* Hypercholesterolemia
* Type 1 Diabetes
* Use of anti-coagulant drugs, or anti-platelet drugs
* Symptomatic coronary artery disease
* Heart Failure
* Renal Impairment
* Hormone Replacement Therapy
* History of Retinopathy
* Documented Neuromuscular Disorders
* Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (blistering of skin to sun; photosensitivity)
* Pregnancy (Young Female subjects)
* Allergies to Povidone Iodine
* Use Erectile Dysfunction Medication in the past 6 months
* Use of Topical/non-topical Steroids in last 6 months
* Active Anti-Cancer Treatment or Treatment within last 12 months
* Active COVID-19 or within the past 3 months
* Gender Reassignment Therapy

Where this trial is running

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, Healthy Aging, autophagy, microvascular function, laser doppler microdialysis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.