Could a nasal spray of insulin help Parkinson's symptoms?

NCT ID NCT04251585

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: HealthPartners Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This Phase 2 trial tested whether insulin sprayed into the nose is safe for people with Parkinson's disease. Over 3 weeks, 31 participants received either intranasal insulin or a placebo. Researchers monitored safety events like low blood sugar and weight loss, and also looked at changes in thinking, mood, and movement. The goal was to see if this approach could be a safe way to potentially ease non-motor and motor symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: intranasal insulin (Novolin R)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-invasive way to ease thinking and movement problems in Parkinson's disease.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early safety trial with only 31 people over 3 weeks. It may not show clear benefits, and insulin can cause low blood sugar or weight loss.

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.

Insulin Resistance Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PARKINSON DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

HealthPartners Neuroscience Center

Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55130, United States

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