Observational study on diabetes and its complications

Heidelberg Study on Diabetes and Complications

Observational Heidelberg University · NCT03022721

This study looks at how diabetes and pre-diabetes affect health over time and what new risk factors might be involved, by comparing people with diabetes to those without it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorHeidelberg University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Heidelberg)
Trial IDNCT03022721 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to monitor the presence and development of complications in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as pre-diabetics. It seeks to identify new metabolic mechanisms and risk factors associated with diabetic complications by enrolling non-diabetic controls for comparison. The study will analyze data from participants aged 18 to 75 years who meet specific diagnostic criteria for diabetes or pre-diabetes, without any planned interventions. The goal is to better understand the complexities of diabetes and its related health issues.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 75 with diagnosed type 1 or type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetics, or healthy individuals without glucose metabolism impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary types of diabetes, current pregnancy, acute infections, or those undergoing immune suppressant therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved identification of risk factors for diabetic complications, potentially guiding future prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While many studies have focused on diabetes management, this study's unique approach to understanding the underlying mechanisms of complications is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Age between 18 and 75 years Persons with manifest diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2 and diagnosis according to DDG guidelines 2011, that is HbA1c of 6,5 percent or higher after exclusion of false values, more than 200 mg per dl two hours after glucose in the oGTT, fasting glucose more than 126 mg per dl, spontaneous glucose more than 200 mg per dl at least twice Healthy persons without diabetes or impairment of glucose metabolism in the oGTT according to DDG guidelines 2011 fasting plasma glucose less than 100 mg per dl and 2 hour plasma glucose less than 140 mg per dl Pre diabetics with impaired fasting glucose between 100 mg per dl and 125 mg per dl, or impaired glucose tolerance with 2 hour glucose values between 140 and 199 mg per dl in the oGTT, all values from venous plasma

Exclusion Criteria General exclusion criteria Secondary types of Diabetes, ADA criteria type 3 B H Current pregnancy Acute infections or fever Immune suppressant therapy Severe psychiatric diseases requiring treatment, including personality disorders, schizophrenia, depression Known alcohol or drug dependency Severe heart NYHA stadium IV, kidney, or liver insufficiency Non diabetic liver disease, for example PBC, PSC, Wilsons disease, hemochromatosis, autoimmune hepatitis severe peripheral artery disease stadium IV non diabetic glomerulopathy Cancer or other malignant diseases within the last 5 years Infectious diseases like hepatitis B, C, E, or HIV Other severe autoimmune diseases Current participation in an interventional study Anemia or disorders of bone marrow Exclusion criteria for MRI Pacemaker or ICD Metallic and magnetic implants, for example mechanic cardiac valves replacements, joint prostheses, clips after vascular surgery, middle or inner ear implants, recent tooth implants, penile implants Waist circumference more than 135 cm Claustrophobia Allergies against MRI contrast Impaired kidney function with a GFR less than 65 ml per min

Exclusion criteria for clamp study Past history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism Routine laboratory test results less than 80 percent below lower reference value of Ferritin, iron, leucocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrite, RBC, platelets, blood alcohol Level

Exclusion criteria for bioimpedance measurement Pacemaker or ICD

Exclusion criteria for lung function testing Ignoring or non understanding of the instructions Body weight more than 160 kg

Where this trial is running

Heidelberg

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.
Conditions Diabetes Complications
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.