Improving diabetes management and prevention in Guinea-Bissau using BCG vaccination

Diabetes Diagnosis, Management, Prevention and Education in Guinea-Bissau

PHASE4 · Bandim Health Project · NCT05591339

This study is testing whether the BCG vaccine can help people with pre-diabetes in Guinea-Bissau manage their blood sugar better and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorBandim Health Project (other)
Drugs / interventionsChemotherapy
Locations1 site (Bissau)
Trial IDNCT05591339 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the effects of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine on managing and preventing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Guinea-Bissau, a country facing significant healthcare challenges. Participants aged 18-64 with pre-diabetes will receive either the BCG vaccine or a saline placebo in a randomized manner. The study will evaluate changes in glycemic control, specifically looking at hemoglobin A1c levels, and aims to explore the non-specific health benefits of BCG vaccination beyond its traditional use. The research addresses a critical gap in diabetes care in a low-income setting where access to treatment is severely limited.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-64 living in Guinea-Bissau with pre-diabetes as indicated by specific glucose and HbA1c levels.

Not a fit: Patients with HIV, those who are pregnant, or individuals undergoing chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel and cost-effective approach to improve diabetes management and prevention in resource-limited settings.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have shown BCG's effectiveness in Type-1 diabetes, this approach in Type-2 diabetes is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for BCG trial:

* Ages 18-64
* Planning to continue living in the study area
* F-glucose from 5.6-6.9 mmol/L and HbA1c between 39-47mmol/mol.

Exclusion Criteria for BCG trial:

* HIV infection (an HIV test to be done before enrolment)
* Pregnancy (a pregnancy test to be done before enrolment in women in the childbearing age)
* Chemotherapy

Where this trial is running

Bissau

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: Diabetes Mellitus, BCG Vaccination Reaction, BCG, Type-2 diabetes, non-specific effects, Guinea-Bissau

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.