Can a Parkinson's drug protect eyes in diabetes?

NCT ID NCT05132660

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

Summary

This study tests whether levodopa, a drug used for Parkinson's, can slow blood vessel changes in the eyes of people with diabetes. Researchers will give the drug or a placebo to 244 patients with early diabetic retinopathy and measure retinal electrical activity and imaging over time. The goal is to see if levodopa can delay vision loss.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Levodopa (Sinemet CR)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment to slow diabetic retinopathy and preserve vision.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small trial. It may not show benefit, and levodopa can cause side effects like nausea or dizziness.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA

    Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4004, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.