Can a diabetes drug and diet stop kidney stones?
NCT ID NCT04370093
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether the diabetes drug pioglitazone, weight loss, or both can help prevent uric acid kidney stones in overweight people. Twenty-nine participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups for 24 weeks. The main goal was to see if these interventions could raise urine pH, which is key to stopping stone formation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Pioglitazone (a diabetes drug) and weight loss through a lifestyle program
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point to a new way to prevent uric acid kidney stones by combining medication and weight loss.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 29 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Pioglitazone can cause side effects like swelling and liver issues.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, 75390-9107, United States