Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Functional Investigation of Endothelial Function and Regenerative Cell Exhaustion

This study, called FIERCE, is looking into how type 2 diabetes affects your body's ability to repair blood vessels. We know that type 2 diabetes can raise your risk of heart problems, and this might be linked to certain 'repair cells' in your blood not working as well. Researchers will compare blood samples from about 90 people – some with type 2 diabetes and some without. They'll examine what's in these samples to count and check how well these vessel-repairing cells are working. The main goal is to figure out if type 2 diabetes changes how these important cells function, which could help us understand more about preventing health problems in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Canadian Medical and Surgical Knowledge Translation Research Group

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

What is this study about?

Type 2 diabetes is a common health condition that can unfortunately increase your risk of developing heart and blood vessel problems. Your blood vessels are incredibly important for keeping your heart healthy. Your body has its own natural repair system for blood vessels, which involves special 'repair cells' circulating in your blood. These cells step in to fix damage and help keep your blood vessels in good shape.

However, when someone has type 2 diabetes, especially with high blood sugar levels over time, it can make it harder for these repair cells to do their job properly. It's thought that type 2 diabetes might cause these repair cells to become 'worn out' or less effective, which could contribute to the blood vessel issues seen in people with the condition.

This study, called FIERCE, aims to understand this better. Researchers will take a single blood sample from volunteers, both with and without type 2 diabetes. By carefully looking at these blood samples, they can count and assess how well these different types of vessel-repairing cells are working. This research is important because it could help us learn more about how type 2 diabetes affects blood vessels and potentially lead to new ways to protect heart health in the future.

Key takeaways

This study looks at how type 2 diabetes affects blood vessel repair.
It uses a single blood sample to study special 'repair cells'.
Researchers want to see if type 2 diabetes changes how these cells work.
It's an observational study, meaning no new treatments are given.
Participation helps advance understanding of diabetes and heart health.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. You might be able to take part if you have a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, or if you do not have diabetes at all. All participants must be willing to give written permission to join the study.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a life-threatening illness that is expected to severely shorten your life, or certain serious liver conditions. You also can't take part if you currently have an ongoing infection requiring strong antibiotics or anti-viral medicines, or if you have known HIV.

People with active cancer (unless it's a cured skin cancer), certain autoimmune diseases (like type 1 diabetes), or those taking specific steroid medications or other medicines that suppress the immune system are also unable 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?
Do you have type 2 diabetes, or do you not have diabetes?
Are you generally well and not undergoing current treatment for a serious infection?
Do you not have certain severe long-term health conditions like active cancer or severe liver disease?
Are you willing to give a blood sample and written permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it's quite straightforward. You will be asked to provide a single blood sample. This is the only direct involvement required from you. There are no study medications to take, no special appointments beyond the blood sample, and no long-term follow-up visits. The blood sample will be taken, processed in the lab, and that will be the extent of your active participation.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to important medical research that could help us better understand type 2 diabetes and its effects on blood vessels, potentially leading to improved care in the future. The risks of participating are very low, mainly those associated with a standard blood draw, such as a small bruise, slight discomfort, or very rarely, infection at the needle site. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, which will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Diagnostic Assessment Centre
Verified postcode
Scarborough Village, Canada

Common questions

What kind of blood test is this?

It's a standard blood test, similar to what you might have at your GP, but the lab will look very closely at specific 'repair cells' in your blood.

Will I get my results?

Participation is for research purposes, so individual results are not typically shared. The findings will contribute to broader scientific understanding.

How long will my blood sample be used?

Your sample will be used for this study's research questions. Specific details about sample storage and usage will be explained in the consent form.

Is this study giving me new treatment?

No, this is an 'observational' study, meaning researchers are just observing and collecting information. It doesn't involve any new treatments or medicines.

What happens if I change my mind?

You can decide to stop participating at any point, even after you've given your blood sample, without affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Fallon Dennis, BMSc

fallon.dennis@mail.utoronto.ca 7057720021 Official trial record

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