RecruitingObservational

Heart failure in patients with diabetes: cells, crosstalk and consequences

This research wants to understand the links between diabetes and heart failure. We're looking closely at how cells in your body – like those in fat, muscle, and blood vessels – talk to each other, and how this 'chatter' changes in people with these conditions. By comparing people with and without diabetes and heart failure, we hope to learn more about what causes these problems. This could lead to new treatments in the future. Participants will have heart scans, exercise tests, blood tests, and some will give small tissue samples. It's an observational study, meaning we're watching and learning, not testing new medicines.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leeds

Enrolment target

600

Start

01 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2030

Diabetes mellitus and heart failure

What is this study about?

Imagine your heart as a pump that keeps blood moving around your body. Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping as well as it should. There are different types; sometimes it struggles to pump blood out forcefully (reduced ejection fraction), and other times it has trouble relaxing and filling with blood (preserved ejection fraction). Diabetes is a condition where your body has problems controlling its blood sugar levels.

This study is trying to understand the complicated links between diabetes and heart failure. We know these conditions often happen together, but we don't fully understand why or how they affect each other at a very tiny level, specifically how different cells and tissues in your body – like those in your fat, muscles, blood vessels, and heart – communicate. We call this 'cross-talk'. By looking at this close up, we hope to find out what exactly goes wrong in people who have both diabetes and heart failure.

The main goal is to build a clearer picture of these diseases. We'll be carefully studying groups of people: some with heart failure (with or without diabetes), some with just diabetes, and some healthy volunteers. By comparing all these groups, we can spot the differences. This in-depth understanding is really important for doctors and researchers to develop better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions in the future, ultimately improving the lives of people living with heart failure and diabetes.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand links between diabetes and heart failure.
It involves detailed health assessments, not new treatments.
You'll get a comprehensive review of your heart health.
Some participants will have small tissue samples taken.
The study is observational, meaning we learn by observing.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. It's important that you're able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. Researchers also need to make sure you're well enough to participate safely and can follow study instructions.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have very low iron levels (anemia), certain acute infections like pneumonia, or severe lung or kidney problems. If you've recently had a heart attack or are experiencing chest pain related to your heart, you also wouldn't be able to take part.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot join, nor can people who are already taking part in another drug study or who work for the organisation running this research. The study needs people who are completely voluntary and not under any legal orders that might affect their ability to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Can you understand and sign the consent form?
Do you have good overall health, without serious acute infections or severe organ problems?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you able to follow study instructions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to visit the Leeds General Infirmary. During your visit, you'll have several assessments. These include special heart scans, tests to see how you respond to exercise, and blood tests. Some participants will also have small samples taken from their fat, muscle, and the lining of their blood vessels (called endothelial cells). These procedures will be explained in full before you agree to anything. The study started taking people in February 2025 and is expected to run for 5 years, until January 2030, but your own participation involves these assessments, not continuous involvement over that full period.

Potential risks and benefits

A benefit of taking part is getting a thorough health check of your heart, including an assessment of how well you can exercise and how your lungs and muscles are working. You'll gain a detailed picture of your current health. As for risks, the small tissue samples (biopsies) might sting a little when the numbing medicine is given, and you might get some bruising afterwards, similar to having a blood test. Other tests, especially the exercise ones, can make you feel tired. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Leeds, United Kingdom
University of Leeds
Approximate
Leeds, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'heart failure'?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as effectively as it should. It can make you feel tired and out of breath.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have special heart scans, exercise tests, blood tests, and some people will have small samples taken from their fat, muscle, and blood vessels.

Is this study testing a new medicine?

No, this is an 'observational' study. We're observing and learning about heart failure and diabetes, not testing a new drug.

Where is the study taking place?

The study is run from the NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Leeds General Infirmary.

Who is paying for this research?

The British Heart Foundation is funding this study.

How to find out more

Klaus Witte

k.k.witte@leeds.ac.uk +44 (0)113 39 28240 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.