Examining the effects of exercise and liraglutide on blood vessel function in Type 2 diabetes

Effect of Exercise and/or Liraglutide on Vascular Dysfunction and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes ( ZQL007)

PHASE4 · University of Virginia · NCT03883412

This study is testing whether exercise, a diabetes medication called liraglutide, or a mix of both can improve blood flow and how well the body uses insulin in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Virginia (other)
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT03883412 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of exercise training, liraglutide treatment, or a combination of both on vascular function and insulin sensitivity in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: exercise only, liraglutide only, or both interventions. The study aims to determine if these treatments can enhance blood flow and improve metabolic responses in muscle over a 16-week period. The primary outcomes include changes in cardiac and muscle capillary blood volume and overall vascular function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21-60 with Type 2 diabetes who have not previously used GLP-1 receptor agonists or DPP-4 inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients currently taking insulin or with significant cardiovascular or metabolic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for enhancing vascular health and insulin sensitivity in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonists in improving metabolic health, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 21-60
* A1C ≤ 8.5%
* Never on GLP-1RA (eg: exenatide, liraglutide) or DPP4I ( eg: Sitaglipton)
* On stable dose of oral hypoglycemic agents \>4 months
* On stable dose of other medications for \>4 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Taking Insulin
* Smoking presently or in the past 6 months
* BP \>160/90
* BMI \>35
* Family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome
* History of congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, severe pulmonary disease, liver or kidney disease.
* Any vascular disease such as myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease
* Presence of an intracardiac or intrapulmonary shunt (we will screen for this by auscultation during the physical exam by PI).
* Pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Known hypersensitivity to perflutren (contained in Definity)

Where this trial is running

Charlottesville, Virginia

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: Type2 Diabetes

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.