Can a common diabetes pill make insulin therapy safer and more effective for type 1 diabetes?

NCT ID NCT03878459

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 4 trial tests whether adding pioglitazone to an SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin) and insulin can lower blood sugar more effectively in people with type 1 diabetes while preventing a rise in ketones, which can lead to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis. About 120 adults with type 1 diabetes and poor blood sugar control will receive dapagliflozin for 12 weeks, then be randomly assigned to pioglitazone or a placebo for another 16 weeks. Researchers will track changes in HbA1c, ketone levels, and insulin needs.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
pioglitazone
What this could lead to
If it works, this combination could offer a new way to improve blood sugar control in type 1 diabetes while reducing the risk of a dangerous side effect called ketoacidosis.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-stage trial with 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Pioglitazone can cause side effects like weight gain and fluid retention.

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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

  • Dasman Diabetes Institute

    Kuwait City, Kuwait

  • Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Rambam Medical Center

    Haifa, Israel

  • University Health System Texas Diabetic Institute

    San Antonio, Texas, 78207, United States

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