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

NCT ID NCT03429946

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.

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.

hypoglycemia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States