The GAPSID Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How GLP-1 Analogues may Prevent Steroid-Induced Diabetes (GAPSID Study)
IRAS ID
331830
Contact name
Karim Meeran
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 3 months, 27 days
Research summary
Glucocorticoids or ‘steroids’ such as prednisolone and dexamethasone are widely used to treat conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and infections such as COVID-19. However, steroids can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Up to 40% of individuals develop diabetes when they take steroids. This is called steroid-induced diabetes, or steroid diabetes. Steroids can also cause much high blood sugar levels in people who already have diabetes. This is called steroid-induced hyperglycaemia.
Current treatment options are limited to the diabetes drugs gliclazide and insulin. These require careful monitoring as there is a risk of hypoglycaemia. They can also increase weight gain from steroid treatment.
This project will look at whether using another diabetes treatment, a GLP-1 analogue, liraglutide, could be better at improving blood sugars in people taking steroids who are at risk of developing diabetes.
To do this, we will randomise people living with pre-diabetes and lifestyle-controlled diabetes to receive either liraglutide, metformin or placebo alongside a 7-day course of dexamethasone.
Study visits will assess glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity at the beginning and end of the 7-day course of treatment.
In addition, we will also monitor glucose levels using a continuous glucose monitor, and in those who consent, we will take a small sample of fat and muscle tissue to look for other metabolic changes.
We hope this information will help us to develop better treatment options for steroid induced diabetes, to improve the care for people whose lives depend on taking steroids.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0029
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion