Can a common drug shield the heart from low blood sugar?

NCT ID NCT03429946

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at how low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) affects the body's automatic nervous system, which controls heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers tested whether the drug spironolactone could block these effects in 28 healthy adults. Participants underwent controlled low blood sugar episodes with and without the drug to compare heart and nerve responses.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Spironolactone
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a way to prevent heart-related complications from low blood sugar in people with diabetes.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers, not people with diabetes. Results may not apply to real-world patients, and spironolactone has side effects like high potassium levels.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hypoglycemia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEALTHY HYPOGLYCEMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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