Could a glucose drink help explain chronic back pain?

NCT ID NCT07734714

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Vrije Universiteit Brussel Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study investigates whether people with chronic low back pain process sugar differently than those without pain. Participants receive standardized drinks and meals while their blood sugar is tracked continuously. The goal is to uncover whether impaired glucose metabolism is a hidden factor in chronic back pain, which could lead to better treatments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: glucose beverage, isomaltulose beverage, and a standardized breakfast
What this could lead to: If links between glucose metabolism and chronic low back pain are confirmed, this could point toward new ways to diagnose or treat the condition.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear differences, and any findings will need further validation.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 124 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Jul 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Apr 2030

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 65 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Between 18 and 65 years old * For patient group: participants must comply to the non-specific CLBP criteria which are low back pain every day for three months or pain for at least half the days in the last six months, without leg pain that exceeds 7 out of 10 on a numeric rating scale and without evidence of specific spinal pathologies. * For healthy volunteers: pain-free for the entire duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic diseases (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic gastrointestinal disorder, skin disease, active neuropathic disorder, severe eating disorders, myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident in the 6 months prior to the study) * Current pregnancy or pregnancy in the last year * Start-up of new medication or (dietary) treatment in the six weeks before the study * Antibiotic use in the three months prior to the study * History of bariatric surgery * Use of analgesics, alcohol, immunosuppressive drugs or smoking 48 hours prior to study participation * Classified as diabetic according to the American Diabetes criteria: fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl, blood HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, or 2-hour PPGR ≥ 200 mg/dl Additionally, study participation will be postponed in case the participant donated blood \< 8 weeks before baseline and participants will be asked not to donate blood for the duration of the trial.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) Chronic low back pain (non-specific, uncomplicated)

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

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Could a glucose drink help explain chronic back pain?

What the study statuses mean