RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Rebalancing the Fat Content of the Heart and Muscles

This research is looking into a new approach for people living with type 2 diabetes. Traditionally, treatments focused mainly on controlling blood sugar. However, we're seeing that treatments that also help with weight loss, like the drug Semaglutide, might lead to better overall health. In this study, we want to understand exactly how Semaglutide, when combined with either diet advice or a special exercise program, affects the fat content in your heart and leg muscles. Many studies suggest this is important for long-term health. The goal is to explore these effects in detail and potentially find more effective ways to manage type 2 diabetes. It’s part of a bigger effort to improve diabetes care for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2028

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

What is this study about?

For a long time, managing type 2 diabetes has largely been about keeping your blood sugar levels in check. While this is important, many studies have shown that blood sugar control alone might not be enough to prevent all the long-term health problems associated with diabetes, especially those affecting the heart.

Now, there’s a growing understanding that treatments which help with both blood sugar and weight loss could offer bigger benefits. One such treatment is a medicine called Semaglutide. This study aims to take a closer look at how Semaglutide works in the body. Specifically, we want to understand what happens to the amount of fat stored in your heart and your leg muscles when you take Semaglutide, either alongside general diet and exercise advice, or with a more focused and supervised exercise plan.

By researching how Semaglutide affects fat in these key areas, we hope to gain valuable insights. This could help us figure out if these new approaches are more effective than previous methods and lead to better ways to manage type 2 diabetes, helping people stay healthier for longer. It's an important step forward in understanding the full benefits of these newer medications.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new diabetes medicine (Semaglutide) beyond just blood sugar.
Investigating how Semaglutide affects fat in the heart and leg muscles.
Comparing Semaglutide with diet advice versus a guided exercise program.
Aims to find better and longer-lasting ways to manage type 2 diabetes.
Not suitable for people on insulin or with certain heart/kidney conditions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 20 to 75 who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last 10 years. Your blood sugar levels (measured by an HbA1c test) should be a bit high, even if you're already taking certain diabetes medications like metformin or sulphonylureas, but not insulin.

To join, you should also not be meeting the recommended amount of physical activity, which is less than 150 minutes of moderate to strong exercise per week. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be 27 or higher, but your body weight needs to be less than 140kg due to scanner limits. Your kidneys should be working reasonably well, and you must be able to understand English.

You cannot take part if you have certain heart conditions, kidney problems, very high blood pressure, or are taking other specific medications that might interfere with the study. Also, if you have conditions that might make intense exercise unsafe or affect how your body handles fats, you won't be able to join. We want to make sure everyone involved can safely participate.

Quick self-check

Are you between 20 and 75 years old?
Were you diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the last 10 years?
Is your HbA1c (blood sugar level) 7% or higher?
Do you exercise less than 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity per week?
Is your BMI 27 or higher, and your weight less than 140kg?
Do you understand spoken and written English?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be given Semaglutide. You'll either receive general advice on diet and staying active, or you'll take part in a personalised exercise program that includes resistance (strength) and endurance training, supervised by experts. The study will involve regular check-ups and assessments to see how your body is responding, particularly looking at the fat content in your heart and leg muscles. You'll need to attend clinic visits for these assessments and to receive your medication. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be explained in detail by the study team, along with how often you'll need to visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you potential benefits, such as receiving a new diabetes medication (Semaglutide) and expert support with diet and exercise, which could improve your health. However, like any medication or exercise program, there's always a chance of side effects or risks. The research team will carefully explain all known potential side effects of Semaglutide and any risks associated with the exercise program. You can ask questions at any time, and you always have the right to withdraw from the study at any point without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Cardiac Research Office, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication used for type 2 diabetes that helps control blood sugar and can also lead to weight loss.

Why is the study looking at fat in the heart and muscles?

Researchers believe that the amount of fat in these areas might be linked to overall health in people with diabetes, and understanding this could help develop better treatments.

Will I have to exercise?

Yes, all participants will either receive encouragement for physical activity or be part of a supervised exercise program, depending on which group they are in.

Is this study safe?

The research team will check carefully to make sure it's safe for you to take part. They will explain all potential risks and benefits before you decide.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Alexander Davidson, DM

alexander.davidson@abdn.ac.uk +441224559573 Official trial record

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