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GLP-1 RA for Stage 1 Type 1 Diabetes

Leveraging Semaglutide for Preservation of Beta Cell Function and Restoration of Alpha Cell Function

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07430332
Enrollment
15
Registered
2026-02-24
Start date
2027-09-01
Completion date
2030-01-01
Last updated
2026-02-24

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Stage 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1

Keywords

GLP-1 RA, Semaglutide, Stage 1 type 1 diabetes, type 1 diabetes prevention

Brief summary

This study seeks to evaluate the hormone responses of insulin, c-peptide, glucagon, and incretins to semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy, in individuals with stage 1 type 1 diabetes. The goal of this study is to see if semaglutide can protect beta cell function in this group of people and delay the progression to stage 2 type 1 diabetes.

Detailed description

This study aims to evaluate the effects of semaglutide on pancreatic beta and alpha cell function in individuals with stage 1 type 1 diabetes (T1D). Despite having euglycemia, individuals with stage 1 T1D may already exhibit loss of the first phase insulin response (FPIR). Incretins play a significant role in FPIR through their effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity, offering a potential therapeutic target for restoration of FPIR. Furthermore, prior studies have demonstrated that individuals with T1D exhibit inappropriate glucagon release in response to glucose, worsening glycemic control. Not only do incretins affect beta cells, but they can also inhibit glucagon secretion, potentially attenuating this dysregulated glucagon response. Studies have shown safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in patients with T1D and their beneficial effects on reducing inflammation and preserving beta cell function. However, no studies have evaluated the effects of GLP-1 RAs on beta cell function and glucagon secretion in stage 1 type 1 diabetes to date. As incretins can inhibit glucagon secretion, we hypothesize that semaglutide may attenuate dysregulated glucagon responses, thereby improving glycemic control and potentially altering disease progression. To evaluate the effects of semaglutide in stage 1 T1D, we propose the following aims: 1. Define the effect of semaglutide on beta cell function. We hypothesize that semaglutide may restore FPIR and preserve beta cell function. A 2 hour, 7-point oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at baseline and after 12 months of semaglutide will be used to evaluate FPIR and beta cell function through serial measurements of insulin, pro-insulin, C-peptide, glucose, GLP-1, and GIP. 2. Identify the effect of semaglutide on glucagon secretion in response to glucose. We hypothesize that semaglutide will suppress glucose-stimulated glucagon release. We will evaluate this by measuring stimulated glucagon levels via a 2 hour, 7-point OGTT and by measuring pre and post OGTT liver glycogen content via liver MRI at baseline and after 12 months of semaglutide therapy.

Interventions

DRUGSemaglutide

Study participants will be randomized to either placebo or semaglutide treatment for 12 months

DRUGPlacebo

Randomized to either placebo or semaglutide.

Sponsors

Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Stage 1 Type 1 Diabetes * Screening OGTT with impaired or loss of first phase insulin secretion but no dysglycemia to suggest stage 2 or stage 3 type 1 diabetes

Exclusion criteria

* History of anaphylaxis or allergies to GLP-1 receptor agonists * Already on a GLP-1 receptor agonist * History of bariatric surgery * Personal or family history of cancer such as medullary thyroid cancer * Personal history of pancreatitis or pathogenic variants associated with increased risk of pancreatitis * Severe hypoglycemia within 3 months of study enrollment * Pregnant, breastfeeding, or the intention of becoming pregnant or not using adequate contraceptive measures * Adult individuals with BMI \< 18.5 kg/m2 and pediatric participants with BMI \< 5th percentile

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
C-peptide area under the curve12 monthsmeasured levels of c-peptide during oral glucose tolerance test
C-peptide area under the curve (AUC)12 monthsC-peptide area under the curve levels will be calculated from stimulated C-peptide levels in an oral glucose tolerance test at baseline and after treatment with placebo or semaglutide.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Stimulated incretin levels12 monthsStimulated incretin levels will be measured via oral glucose tolerance test at baseline and after treatment. The time to peak level and peak level will be compared.
Glucagon secretion12 monthsGlucagon secretion in response to oral glucose tolerance test will be measured and compared at baseline and after treatment.

Countries

United States

Contacts

CONTACTLily Deng, MD
lily.deng@cchmc.org513-636-0002
CONTACTMansa Krishnamurthy, MD
mansa.krishnamurthy@cchmc.org513-636-4744

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 25, 2026