RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of Low Dose Galactose on Glycaemia and Glucose Kinetics

This research aims to understand if adding a small amount of a sugar called galactose to a meal can help manage blood sugar levels. Participants will drink set amounts of glucose, sometimes with added galactose, and sometimes with another sugar called fructose for comparison. We'll use special tracking methods to see how the body uses the sugar, including how quickly it gets into the blood and where it goes afterwards, like into muscles. We'll also measure hormones that control blood sugar. The goal is to figure out the best way to use galactose to help maintain stable blood sugar.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Bath

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2029

Glucose

What is this study about?

This study is looking into how a particular sugar, called galactose, might help control your blood sugar after you've eaten. When you eat, your body breaks down food into sugars like glucose, which then enter your bloodstream. For people with conditions like diabetes, or even just to maintain good health, keeping blood sugar levels steady is important.

Researchers want to see if adding a small amount of galactose to a meal containing glucose (a common sugar) changes how your body handles that glucose. They'll also compare this effect to another sugar called fructose. They'll be using very advanced ways to track the sugars through your body, watching if galactose helps slow down how quickly glucose gets into your blood from your gut or liver, or if it helps your muscles take up glucose more efficiently. They'll also measure how much sugar is stored or used for energy, and look at important hormones like insulin that help regulate sugar.

The findings from this study could be very valuable. By understanding exactly how galactose influences blood sugar control, we could find new and effective ways to help people manage their blood sugar levels in various situations. It's about getting a clearer picture of how our diet impacts our internal chemistry to hopefully lead to better health strategies.

Key takeaways

Investigating how a sugar called galactose affects blood sugar.
Comparing galactose to glucose and fructose.
Using detailed methods to track sugar in the body.
Aimed at understanding how galactose could stabilise blood sugar.
Could lead to new ways to manage blood sugar in the future.

Who may be eligible?

For this study, we're looking for adults aged 18 and over who are generally healthy. It's important that your blood sugar levels are currently within the normal range, and your body mass index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 30.

There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. These include if your weight has changed a lot recently, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you follow a very low-carbohydrate diet. We also can't include people who have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or other metabolic conditions, or those with known allergies to foods or ingredients used in the study.

Additionally, if you have problems processing galactose or fructose, or any digestive problems, or if you're taking medications or have any other medical conditions that might affect the study results, you wouldn't be able to participate. It's also important that you can understand and follow the study instructions.

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 normal blood sugar levels (not diabetic or pre-diabetic)?
Is your weight generally stable (no big changes recently)?
Are you free from allergies to foods or study ingredients?
Do you not have problems processing sugars like galactose or fructose?
Are you able to follow study instructions easily?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of participation is not provided in your input. However, in a study like this, you would typically expect to make several visits to a clinic or research centre. These visits might involve fasting beforehand. During a visit, you would be given different types of drinks containing sugars (glucose, galactose, fructose) and blood samples would be taken regularly over several hours to track your blood sugar and hormone levels. You might also be asked to breathe into a special device to measure how your body is using the sugars. Each visit could last several hours, and you'd likely have a few such visits spread out over a period. There would be no medication to take at home. The total duration of your involvement, from your first visit to your last, would be clearly explained to you.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research can offer several potential benefits, such as contributing to scientific understanding and potentially helping others in the future. While this specific study is not designed to directly improve your health, you would receive careful monitoring during your visits. There are minimal risks involved, mainly related to giving blood samples, which might cause some minor bruising or discomfort. All procedures would be explained in full, and you would have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Bath
Verified postcode
Bath, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is galactose and is it safe?

Galactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products and some fruits and vegetables. It's safe when consumed in small amounts, and this study uses low doses. We exclude anyone with galactose intolerance.

Will I have to take any medicine?

No, this study does not involve taking any medication. You will be given drinks containing different sugars to consume.

How long will each visit take?

The information provided doesn't specify visit lengths, but similar studies often involve visits lasting several hours, typically 4-6 hours, to track sugar levels after consumption.

Will I know my own results?

Study participants are generally informed about their individual results upon request, or will be told how to access them, once the study is completed and analysed. This would be explained in more detail if you choose to participate.

What will happen to my blood samples?

Your blood samples will be used to measure your blood sugar levels, hormones like insulin, and other chemical markers that help researchers understand how your body processes sugars. They will be handled confidentially.

How to find out more

Lucy Merrell, PhD

lhm31@bath.ac.uk +441225385518 Official trial record

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