Congestive Heart Failure & Diabetes

Researchers at UT San Antonio are conducting a study to understand how a diabetes medication affects heart function, blood sugar levels, and energy-related molecules in people with diabetes and heart failure over time.

Fast Facts

18-80 Years Old

Diagnosed With Congestive Heart Failure & Type 2 Diabetes

Compensation Provided

Conducted in San Antonio, TX

Study Background

Researchers at UT San Antonio are exploring how a diabetes treatment influences heart performance, blood sugar control, and certain energy markers in individuals with diabetes and heart failure throughout the study period.

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and diabetes are two interconnected health conditions that significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals. Managing these conditions often requires innovative approaches to improve heart function, regulate blood sugar levels, and optimize energy usage in the body. This study focuses on SGLT2 inhibitors, a type of medication originally designed to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes. Researchers are now investigating how this medication might also benefit heart health by influencing certain energy-related molecules and improving heart function.

The study will track changes in key indicators, including the levels of specific energy markers called plasma ketones (β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate), both at the beginning and end of the study. Researchers will also monitor improvements in how well the heart pumps and relaxes, known as systolic and diastolic function, as well as overall blood sugar control. Toward the end of the study, they aim to observe whether the medication reduces plasma ketone levels, providing further insight into its effects on heart and metabolic health. By understanding these mechanisms, the study could pave the way for more effective treatments for patients managing both diabetes and heart failure.

Study Background

Researchers at UT San Antonio are exploring how a diabetes treatment influences heart performance, blood sugar control, and certain energy markers in individuals with diabetes and heart failure throughout the study period.

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and diabetes are two interconnected health conditions that significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals. Managing these conditions often requires innovative approaches to improve heart function, regulate blood sugar levels, and optimize energy usage in the body. This study focuses on SGLT2 inhibitors, a type of medication originally designed to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes. Researchers are now investigating how this medication might also benefit heart health by influencing certain energy-related molecules and improving heart function.

The study will track changes in key indicators, including the levels of specific energy markers called plasma ketones (β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate), both at the beginning and end of the study. Researchers will also monitor improvements in how well the heart pumps and relaxes, known as systolic and diastolic function, as well as overall blood sugar control. Toward the end of the study, they aim to observe whether the medication reduces plasma ketone levels, providing further insight into its effects on heart and metabolic health. By understanding these mechanisms, the study could pave the way for more effective treatments for patients managing both diabetes and heart failure.

Additional Information

This study is being done to see how a diabetes medication can help improve heart health, blood sugar levels, and energy use in people with diabetes and heart failure. The goal is to find better ways to treat these conditions together.

You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age: 18-80
  • Diagnosed with congestive heart failure
  • Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

If you choose to participate in this study, here is what you can expect:

    1. Attend Study Visits: You will need to come to up to 16 visits during the study period.

    2. Join a Study Group: You will be placed into one of two groups. One group will receive a diabetes medication called Empagliflozin, and the other group will receive a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).

    3. 12-Week Treatment: For the first 12 weeks, you will take the assigned treatment (either Empagliflozin or placebo) as part of the study.

    4. 8-Day Treatment Phase: After the 12 weeks, you will take another medication called Acipimox for 8 days. During this time, you will continue with your assigned treatment (Empagliflozin or placebo).

    Throughout the study, researchers will monitor your health and track how your body responds to the treatments.

Yes, you will be paid for participating in this study. You’ll receive compensation for each visit you complete, and if you finish the entire study, you could earn up to $2,000.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.