Could a simple electrical zapper help seniors control diabetes?

NCT ID NCT06856720

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Disease control Sponsor: University of Salamanca Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests three different non-drug approaches to help older adults in nursing homes manage their type 2 diabetes. One group uses a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the leg muscles, another does supervised exercise, and the third receives health education. The main goal is to see which method best lowers fasting blood sugar levels over 12 weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a practical, low-effort way to help frail older adults with diabetes manage their blood sugar without needing to exercise.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 75 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The electrical stimulation may cause discomfort or skin irritation, and it might not work as well as exercise.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AGING HYPERGLYCEMIA DUE TO TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities in Central Portugal

Viseu, Viseu District, Portugal

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