RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Influence of Glucose on Metabolism and Clinical Symptoms of Patients With Parkinson's Disease

This study explores why many people with Parkinson's disease often crave and eat more sugary foods, sometimes even before their main symptoms appear. Scientists think that eating sugar might lead to the release of a brain chemical called dopamine, which could temporarily make Parkinson's symptoms feel better. To investigate this, participants will be given either a sugary drink or a plain drink, and researchers will measure their blood sugar levels and how their movement and non-movement symptoms respond. This will help us understand more about how diet, especially sugar, might affect Parkinson's and why some people with the condition have a strong desire for sweet things.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Parkinson Disease Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Sugar Intake

What is this study about?

You might have noticed that if you have Parkinson's disease, or know someone who does, there's often a stronger desire for sweet, sugary foods. This can sometimes even happen before the more obvious movement problems of Parkinson's start. Currently, we don't fully understand why this craving for sugar happens.

Some scientists believe that eating sugar might help release a brain chemical called dopamine. When dopamine levels go up, it could temporarily make some Parkinson's symptoms feel a bit better. This study aims to look closely at this idea. Researchers want to see what happens to your blood sugar levels and your Parkinson's symptoms – both those that affect movement like tremor, and non-movement symptoms like sleep or mood – after you have a sugary drink. They will compare this to what happens after you have a drink that doesn't contain sugar (a placebo).

The information gathered from this study could be really important. It might help us understand more about how what we eat, especially sugary foods, could influence Parkinson's disease. This knowledge could eventually lead to better ways to manage symptoms or offer advice on diet for people with Parkinson's.

Key takeaways

Exploring why some people with Parkinson's crave sweet foods.
Investigating how sugar intake affects Parkinson's symptoms.
Comparing sugary drinks to non-sugary drinks over two visits.
Requires pausing medication on study days if safe.
Helps advance our understanding of Parkinson's and diet.
Eligibility is specific, check if you qualify.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Your Parkinson's should be at a mild to moderate stage (between Hoehn & Yahr stages 1.5 and 3). You should be able to temporarily stop your Parkinson's medication in the morning without it causing significant problems for you. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part, and be between 50 and 80 years old, though a few people outside this age range might be included.

Before the study, you'll be asked to keep a record of what you eat for three days. This helps the researchers place you into one of two groups: one for people who often crave sweets, and another for those who don't. You'll answer three simple questions to help decide which group you're in: "Do you have sudden cravings for sweets?", "Has your sweet food consumption increased recently?", and "Would you say you eat too much sugary food?". If you answer 'yes' to any of these, you'll be in the 'sweet craving' group.

However, some conditions would mean you can't join. This includes having other serious brain conditions, having diabetes or pre-diabetes, or taking certain medications that affect blood sugar levels. You also can't take part if you have a heart or brain pacemaker.

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 between 50 and 80 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?
Can you temporarily stop your Parkinson's pills in the morning without significant issues?
Do you *not* have diabetes or pre-diabetes?
Are you *not* taking medications that affect your blood sugar (e.g., for diabetes, certain mood pills)?
Do you *not* have a pacemaker in your heart or brain?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be invited to the research clinic on two separate occasions. On each visit, you'll be given a special drink – either a sugary one or a non-sugary (placebo) one – but you won't know which one it is. The order of these drinks will be switched for each person. Before the visits, you'll be asked to record what you eat for three days. On the morning of each clinic visit, you will need to pause your regular Parkinson's medication. The visits will involve having your blood sugar levels measured regularly after the drink, and researchers will also assess your Parkinson's symptoms. The total duration of your involvement in the study will depend on the two visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about Parkinson's disease and how diet might affect it, which could ultimately benefit others in the future. There aren't many direct benefits to you as an individual, but you'll be contributing to important research. Potential risks are generally low, mainly involving temporary pauses in medication and blood tests. You might experience mild side effects from the sugary drink or feel slightly different when pausing your medication, but the researchers will monitor you closely. Remember, you can decide to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Department for Neurology, University of Kiel
Verified postcode
Kiel, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to understand why people with Parkinson's might crave sugary foods and how sugar affects their blood sugar levels and Parkinson's symptoms.

Do I have to stop my Parkinson's medication?

Yes, you will need to pause your Parkinson's medication on the mornings of your study visits, but only if it's safe for you to do so without major problems.

What will happen during the study visits?

You'll be given a special drink (sugary or non-sugary), have blood samples taken to check your blood sugar, and researchers will assess your Parkinson's symptoms.

Will I know if I'm getting the sugary drink or the plain drink?

No, you won't know which drink you're getting on each visit. This helps ensure the results are accurate.

Can anyone with Parkinson's join this study?

No, there are specific requirements, such as your age, the stage of your Parkinson's, and not having other conditions like diabetes or taking certain medications.

How to find out more

Eva Schäffer, MD

eva.schaeffer@uksh.de 004943150023983 Official trial record

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