How changing thyroid hormone levels affects blood sugar, lipids, and energy use

Impact of Thyroid Hormones on Human Glucose and Energy Metabolism

NA · University of Ulm · NCT07410637

This trial will test whether raising or lowering thyroid hormones in people with newly diagnosed Graves' disease or thyroid cancer changes blood sugar, insulin, and lipid metabolism using oral glucose tolerance tests.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ulm (other)
Locations1 site (Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg)
Trial IDNCT07410637 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will compare people whose thyroid hormone levels are intentionally lowered for Graves' disease with people whose thyroid hormones are raised as part of thyroid cancer care. Oral glucose tolerance tests will be done before treatment, two weeks after starting treatment, and three months after starting treatment to track changes over time. Metabolic measures will include blood glucose, insulin secretion and sensitivity, lipid levels, resting energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, and measures of liver fat, eating, and physical activity. The goal is to clarify how clinical changes in thyroid hormone levels alter human glucose and energy metabolism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a new diagnosis of Graves' disease or thyroid carcinoma who can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test and attend follow-up visits at Ulm University Hospital.

Not a fit: People with diabetes, current acute infections, contraindications to an oral glucose tolerance test, or who require exogenous insulin are excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians tailor thyroid treatments to reduce unwanted changes in blood sugar, insulin function, and lipids.

How similar studies have performed: Most prior evidence comes from animal studies and small or conflicting human reports, so prospective human data on this exact approach are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with initial diagnosis of graves disease OR
* patients with initial diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindications for oral glucose tolerance test
* Diabetes mellitus
* Fasting glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL
* Exogenous insulin administration with action at the time of the test
* Current disease with activation of stress hormones
* Post-aggressive metabolism
* Acute infectious disease

Where this trial is running

Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg

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: Graves Disease, Thyroid Cancer, thyroid hormones, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, graves disease, thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism

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.