RecruitingObservational

Disease in the small blood vessels, heart failure and diabetes

This research wants to understand the links between heart failure, diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), and high blood pressure. Although heart failure can be more serious for people with diabetes, there isn't enough research, especially for type 1 diabetes. The study aims to fill this gap, particularly by looking at how tiny blood vessel problems in the heart might play a role in heart failure for people with type 1 diabetes. The findings could help improve how we prevent and treat heart failure for people with diabetes in the future. Anyone aged 18 or over with or without diabetes, heart failure, or high blood pressure might be able to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Dundee

Enrolment target

360

Start

14 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2030

People with heart failure, diabetes and/or hypertension

What is this study about?

This important study aims to understand why people with diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, seem to have worse heart failure compared to those without diabetes. There hasn't been much research looking at this link, especially for type 1 diabetes, even though it can be a serious problem. The researchers want to learn more about a condition called 'cardiac microvascular disease,' which means issues with the very smallest blood vessels in the heart. They believe this might be a key part of why some people with type 1 diabetes develop heart failure.

The main goal is to find out more about how heart failure develops in people with type 1 diabetes. By using advanced heart scans and other tests, the team will compare people with and without type 1 diabetes and heart failure. This will help them discover if these small vessel problems are indeed a major factor, which could lead to new ways of thinking about how we prevent and treat heart failure.

Ultimately, the knowledge gained from this study could be very valuable for healthcare professionals. It might help them understand heart failure better, use existing treatments more effectively, and give improved advice to patients with diabetes and heart failure in the future. While you might not feel any direct benefits immediately, your participation would contribute significantly to this vital research.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve understanding of heart failure in people with diabetes.
It focuses on type 1 diabetes and small blood vessel problems in the heart.
The research involves heart scans, blood/urine tests, and a health check.
Participation will help future prevention and treatment of heart failure.
The study takes place at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and is funded by the British Heart Foundation.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over. You might be able to join if you have certain health conditions or if you are generally healthy.

Specifically, they are looking for people who have: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, heart failure, or high blood pressure (especially if you take two or more medicines for it). They are also looking for people who are healthy and have no history of heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

However, you will not be able to take part if you have very severe heart failure that needs a special device to help your heart pump blood.

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 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes?
Do you have heart failure?
Do you have high blood pressure (especially if you take two or more medications for it)?
Are you generally healthy with no history of heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure?
Do you NOT have very severe heart failure requiring a mechanical heart pump?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will have one main visit to the study centre, which is at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. During this visit, you'll have a general check-up where your height and weight will be measured. You’ll also answer a few short questionnaires about your health.

To help the researchers understand more, you'll provide blood and urine samples. You'll also have several heart checks: an ECG (a tracing of your heart's electrical activity), an echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of your heart), and an MRI scan of your heart. In addition, you’ll have a photo taken of the back of your eye and a test to check blood flow in your skin.

A smaller group of participants will be asked to come back for the exact same set of tests two years later. The study is planned to run from June 2024 to January 2031.

Potential risks and benefits

While taking part, there might not be an immediate, direct benefit to you personally. However, the information gathered is crucial for understanding heart disease and diabetes, and it could lead to better treatments and prevention strategies for heart failure in the future, helping many others. You are free to stop participating at any time. There are a few small potential risks with the tests: blood samples carry a very small chance of infection, bruising, or feeling faint. During the echocardiogram, some pressure on your chest might cause slight discomfort, but you can stop if it's too much. Sticky pads used for ECGs or skin blood flow tests might cause temporary skin irritation. MRI scans are generally safe, but rarely, dye used in some scans or a medicine called adenosine might cause temporary shortness of breath or chest tightness, which quickly passes. If anything potentially important for your health is found during the scans, you and your GP will be informed.

Locations (1)

Ninewells Hospital
Approximate
Dundee, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'heart failure'?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood around your body as well as it should. It doesn't mean your heart has stopped working.

What is 'diabetes'?

Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar level is too high. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in childhood, and type 2 is more common later in life.

What is an 'MRI scan'?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It's a safe and painless test.

Will I get my test results?

If the researchers find anything that might affect your health, they will let you and your GP know.

Who is funding this research?

This study is being funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), a large charity in the UK dedicated to fighting heart and circulatory diseases.

How to find out more

Ify Mordi

i.mordi@dundee.ac.uk +44 (0)1382385591 Official trial record

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