Using electrical stimulation to treat gastroparesis in diabetic patients

Wearable Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation for Gastroparesis

Not applicable Interventional University of Michigan · NCT05362578

This study is testing whether a special electrical device can help people with diabetes and gastroparesis feel better by improving their stomach function and reducing symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT05362578 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Transcutaneous Electrical Accustimulator (TEA) device in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving gastric motility in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. Over a 12-week period, participants will undergo a non-invasive gastric functional test and be randomized into either a treatment group receiving actual stimulation or a sham group. Each participant will have two visits, with weekly follow-ups to monitor compliance and adverse events. After the initial 8 weeks, those in the sham group will receive the actual treatment for an additional 4 weeks.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a documented history of diabetic gastroparesis symptoms and delayed gastric emptying.

Not a fit: Patients who have undergone gastric surgery or have uncontrolled diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from diabetic gastroparesis by alleviating their gastrointestinal symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using electrical stimulation for gastrointestinal issues is being explored, this specific application for diabetic gastroparesis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least a 3-month history of diabetic gastroparesis symptoms on an on-going basis; at least one severe gastroparetic symptom or two moderate gastroparetic symptoms (e.g. vomiting, nausea, early satiety, bloating, or epigastric or abdominal pain) during the screening.
* Documented delayed gastric emptying within past 3 years
* Stable concomitant medications, defined as no changes in regimen for at least 2 weeks prior to the experiment (daily adjustments of insulin doses are permitted if patient has diabetes)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently receiving parenteral feeding or presence of a nasogastric or other enteral tube
* History of gastric surgery such as fundoplication, gastrectomy, or vagotomy
* Symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis with no diagnosis of diabetes
* Pregnancy or expect to conceive during the course of the study
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c \> 11%).
* Having any implanted medical device, such as cardiac pacemaker or Entera device

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

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 Gastroparesis With Diabetes Mellitus
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.