Blood donation may improve diabetes and fatty liver, study finds

NCT ID NCT03696797

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether regularly removing blood (like donating blood) can lower iron levels and improve diabetes control and fatty liver disease. 132 adults aged 40-75 with prediabetes or diabetes took part. The treatment group gave blood several times, while the control group did not. Researchers measured blood sugar, liver enzymes, and insulin function over 6 to 12 months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: blood donation (phlebotomy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to improve blood sugar control and liver health in people with diabetes and fatty liver disease.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial with 132 participants, so results are limited. The intervention (blood donation) may not be effective for everyone, and risks include anemia or dehydration from blood draws.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diabetes mellitus fatty liver disease metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease prediabetes syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DIABETES IRON NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-2100, United States
Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States

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