Could prozac or DHEA protect against dangerous low blood sugar in diabetes?

NCT ID NCT03228732

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase study is testing whether the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) and/or the hormone DHEA can improve the body's ability to defend against low blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes. About 60 adults will take the drugs or a placebo for 8 weeks, then undergo two-day hospital visits where their responses to low blood sugar are measured. The goal is to understand how these substances affect stress hormones and metabolism, not to treat diabetes itself.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Fluoxetine (Prozac) and/or DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to help people with type 1 diabetes better recognize and respond to low blood sugar, reducing dangerous episodes.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small study (60 people) testing body responses, not a treatment. The high DHEA dose may have unknown side effects, and results may not lead to a practical therapy.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

type 1 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Maryland

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••