Aniracetam for the prevention of Hypoglycaemia in Type 1 Diabetes.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Repurposing positive allosteric modulators of glutamate receptors to prevent hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes: a pilot clinical study. Subtitle APHiD: Aniracetam for Prevention of Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes.
IRAS ID
349276
Contact name
Chris Coner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Accord
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN95901685
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires lifelong insulin therapy. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is a common and potentially life-threatening complication of insulin treatment. Despite advances in insulin types and delivery methods, hypoglycaemia remains a significant side effect, contributing to impaired quality of life for patients and their loved ones, and increased healthcare costs.
Hypoglycaemia poses significant risks including confusion, seizures, and coma. Recurrent hypoglycaemia can lead to hypoglycaemia unawareness; usually people who are treated with insulin are aware that their blood sugar is low and can take action to treat this (by consuming fast acting sugar). People who have hypoglycaemia unawareness do not have symptoms or signs, therefore their diabetes management is more complicated and they are at a much higher risk of severe hypoglycaemic events, including seizures and coma.
By investigating a supplement that targets the underlying mechanisms of hypoglycaemia, we have the potential to revolutionise hypoglycaemia management and improve the quality of life for individuals with type 1 diabetes. There is no current preventative treatment for insulin induced hypoglycaemia. Current treatment strategies for hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes primarily involve glucose monitoring and administration of glucose or glucagon. However, these approaches may not always be effective in preventing or resolving hypoglycemic episodes, especially if there is hypoglycaemia unawareness.
There is a need for treatments that can complement existing treatments to provide more targeted management of hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes, and a need for treatments that can prevent the disabling and dangerous side effect of hypoglycaemia.
This study is investigating the effects of the supplement aniracetam during hypoglycaemia in individuals with T1D. Scientific studies so far lead us to think that supplementation with aniracetam will lead to improved control, a reduction in hypoglycaemic episodes, and, in the future, enhanced overall well-being in participants with type 1 diabetes.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
25/ES/0079
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion