New-generation diabetes medicines and the onset of diabetic retinopathy
Official title: Impact of the New Generation Anti-diabetic Drugs on Diabetic Retinopathy
Run by Alexandria University · NCT07351786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether newer diabetes medicines (SGLT2 and DPP‑4 inhibitors) can delay diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes who've had the disease for more than five years and have been on diabetes medications for 2–3 years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Alexandria University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alexandria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07351786 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with type 2 diabetes for more than five years who have been taking diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, or DPP‑4 inhibitors) for about 2–3 years and do not already have severe NPDR or PDR.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with type 1 or gestational diabetes, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those who already have severe non‑proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy are unlikely to benefit from this study's question.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional observational study comparing the presence and stage of diabetic retinopathy among patients on new-generation agents (SGLT2 and DPP‑4 inhibitors) versus those using older diabetes drugs such as metformin and sulfonylureas. Eligible participants are adults with type 2 diabetes for over five years who have used diabetes medications for 2–3 years; people with type 1 or gestational diabetes, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with severe NPDR or PDR at baseline are excluded. Eye exams and medical record review at diabetes and ophthalmology clinics will be used to document retinopathy status and treatment histories. The cross-sectional design can identify associations between drug classes and retinopathy prevalence but cannot prove cause and effect.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the findings support a protective effect, adopting these newer medicines earlier could help delay retinopathy, preserve vision, and reduce long-term treatment costs for people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Some observational studies and preclinical data suggest possible retinal or vascular benefits from SGLT2 and DPP‑4 inhibitors, but randomized evidence specifically showing protection against diabetic retinopathy is limited and results are mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes for \>5 years * Using Diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors) for a period of 2-3 years Exclusion Criteria: * Gestational Diabetes * Type 1 Diabetes * Severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) at baseline * Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) at baseline * Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Where it's running
-
Alexandria University Main Hospitals - Diabetes clinics/ Ophthalmology clinics
Alexandria, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sara A Belal
- Email: phar-sara.belal@alexu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201554630615
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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.