Low-carb diet intervention for obese patients

Understanding Gut-brain Interactions and the Effect of a Low-carb Dietary Intervention in Obese Patients With and Without Glucose Intolerance or Diabetes: a Pilot Trial

NA · University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT04234373

This study is testing if a low-carb diet can help people who are obese and have glucose issues improve their health and manage their weight over six months.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other)
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT04234373 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial investigates the effects of a 6-month low-carb dietary intervention on glycemic control, body composition, and gut-brain interaction in both obese and lean individuals, with a focus on those with glucose intolerance or diabetes. Participants will be divided into two groups: healthy lean controls and pre-diabetic or diabetic obese individuals. The study aims to assess how a low-carb diet influences metabolic health and weight management in these populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include obese individuals with pre-diabetes or diabetes, as well as healthy lean controls for comparison.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing low-carb diets or specific dietary restrictions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved glycemic control and weight management for obese patients with glucose intolerance or diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with low-carb dietary interventions, suggesting potential effectiveness in managing obesity and glucose intolerance.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Group A: HEALTHY LEAN CONTROLS

* Healthy normal weight subjects with a body-mass index of 19.0-24.9kg/m2, HbA1C \<5.7% and fasting glucose \<5.6 mmol/l
* Normal eating habits
* Stable body weight for at least three months
* Informed Consent as documented by signature

Group B: PRE-DIABETIC or DIABETIC OBESE

* Pre-diabetic/Diabetic obese with a HbA1C \>5.7% and/or fasting glucose \>5.6 mmol/l) and body-mass index \> 30kg/m2, otherwise healthy
* Normal eating habits
* Stable body weight for at least three months
* Informed Consent as documented by signature

Exclusion Criteria:

Group A: HEALTHY LEAN CONTROLS

* Pre-existing low carb diet (less than 45% of daily energy intake by carbohydrates)
* Pre-existing diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc.)
* Psychiatric illness
* Alcohol abuse, (smoking allowed)
* Regular intake of medications, (oral contraceptives allowed)
* Intake of antibiotics within the last 3 months before inclusion
* Regular intake of pro- or prebiotics
* Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, history of gastrointestinal surgery with major changes to the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. bariatric surgery)
* Clinically relevant acute or chronic inflammatory disease
* Pregnancy
* Participation in another study with investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present study.

Group B: PRE-DIABETIC or DIABETIC OBESE

* Pre-existing low carb diet (less than 45% of daily energy intake by carbohydrates)
* Pre-existing diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc.)
* Psychiatric illness
* Alcohol abuse, (smoking allowed)
* Regular intake of medications (except: oral contraceptives, metformin, SGLT-2, statins, and antihypertensive, which are allowed)
* Intake of antibiotics within the last 3 months before inclusion
* Regular intake of pro- or prebiotics
* Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, history of gastrointestinal surgery with major changes to the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. bariatric surgery)
* Clinically relevant acute or chronic inflammatory disease
* Pregnancy
* Participation in another study with investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present study.

Where this trial is running

Basel

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: Glucose Intolerance, Obesity

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.