Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 21 to 60

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

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

Run by University of Virginia · NCT03883412 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Type2 Diabetes trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Virginia
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 28, 2019
Main results expectedJune 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT03883412 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

Patients currently taking insulin or with significant cardiovascular or metabolic diseases 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 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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Zhenqi Liu, MD — University of Virginia, Department of Endocrinoolgy
  • Study coordinator: Lee Hartline, MEd
  • Email: lmh9d@virginia.eud
  • Phone: 434-924-5247

Similar studies

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

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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.