Investigating the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on ketogenesis and glucose production in diabetes
Official title: Protocol l: SGLT2 Inhibitors, Ketogenesis, and Ketoacidosis
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT05960656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how a diabetes medication called empagliflozin affects fat and sugar production in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 30 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 5, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05960656 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 30-75 with type 2 diabetes who have stable health and meet specific metabolic criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently on GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, or insulin 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 aims to explore the mechanisms behind the stimulation of ketogenesis and lipolysis versus endogenous glucose production induced by SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It will involve five distinct experiments, including the administration of empagliflozin and the evaluation of its effects on various metabolic processes. Participants will be randomized to receive either empagliflozin or a placebo, with additional assessments involving the thiazolidinedione pioglitazone. The study will measure key metabolic markers to understand the interactions between these treatments and their effects on glucose metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for managing diabetes by optimizing the use of SGLT2 inhibitors.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with SGLT2 inhibitors, but this specific approach to understanding ketogenesis and glucose production is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients with T2D Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 30-75 * BMI (Body Mass Index) 21-45 kg/m2 * HbA1c = 7.0-11% * eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate)\> 60 ml/min/1.73m2 * Blood Pressure (BP)≤160/90 mmHg * Participants must be in general good health based on medical history, physical exam, screening blood chemistries, CBC (Complete Blood Count), TSH/T4 (thyroid/thyroxine hormone), EKG (electrocardiogram), and urinalysis (UA) * Stable body weight (±1.5 kg) over the last 3 months and must not participate in an excessively heavy exercise program * Patients treated with diet, Sulfonylureas, Metformin, or Sulfonylureas/Metformin (Sulfo/MET) * Participants receiving a Glucagon like peptide -1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) must be on a stable dose for at least three months prior to study enrollment. * Participants receiving a Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitor) must be on a stable dose for at least two months prior to study enrollment. * SGLT2 inhibitors must be discontinued at least two months prior to study enrollment. * Statin therapy is permissible if the dose has been stable for at least 3 months EXCLUSION CRITERIA An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Patients treated with Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), or Insulin are excluded. * Patients taking medications other than Sulfonylureas/Metformin (SU/MET), stable dose of GLP1-RA and DPP4i known to affect glucose metabolism are excluded. Patients taking SGLT2i within 2 months of screening visit will be excluded from participating in this study, however they may be asked whether they would agree to discontinue the medication for two months to become eligible. (Please see clarification below.) \* * Subjects with evidence of proliferative retinopathy or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \< 60 are excluded * Women of childbearing potential are excluded unless they are taking/using appropriate contractive medications/devices \* Only participants who are taking SGLT2 inhibitors during the prescreening period will be asked to discontinue the medication at least two months prior to the screening visit. If they agree, they will return for an HbA1c measurement four weeks after stopping the SGLT2 inhibitor. If their HbA1c rises to greater than 10%, treatment will be initiated with either metformin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, or a sulfonylurea. We do not anticipate any adverse effects during this initial period, provided the HbA1c remains below 10%. HbA1c will be measured using a fingerstick test, which requires only a minimal amount of blood. No compensation will be provided during this phase. After two months of medication discontinuation, participants will return for a screening visit. If they meet all eligibility criteria, they will be enrolled in the study and payment done by protocol.
Where it's running
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Texas Diabetes Institute/UH
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ralph DeFronzo, MD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Ralph DeFronzo, MD
- Email: defronzo@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: 210-567-6691
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.