Testing a new medication for heart health in type 1 diabetes

Plain-English translation of NCT05819138 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Read our Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 research guide →

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

Researchers want to see if semaglutide—a medication already used to help people with type 2 diabetes—might also benefit people with type 1 diabetes. This trial will test whether the medication can improve heart health, kidney function, and blood sugar control in adults with type 1 diabetes. Right now, this use of the medication is experimental and not yet approved by the FDA.

This medication has shown real promise in protecting the hearts and kidneys of people with type 2 diabetes, but we don't yet know if it works the same way for people with type 1 diabetes. This trial aims to answer that important question.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 49 years old
you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (confirmed by antibody tests or clinical diagnosis with insulin dependence)
you use an insulin pump or automated insulin delivery system
you have kidney function in a safe range (eGFR ≥ 45)
your weight and height fall within a BMI of 20–45
you are able to use reliable contraception if you are a woman of childbearing age

You likely don't qualify if…

your blood sugar control is very poor (HbA1c above 9%) or you have recently had diabetic ketoacidosis or a hospital stay
you have serious heart disease, severe eye problems from diabetes, a history of certain thyroid or pancreas problems, or a family history of medullary thyroid cancer
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing
you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or thyroid disease despite treatment
you have a known allergy to GLP-1 medications or iodine

What participation looks like

You would receive weekly injections over about 6 months, starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it. Some participants will receive the actual medication while others receive a placebo (inactive injection)—you won't know which one you're getting. Throughout the trial, researchers will monitor your heart function, kidney function, blood sugar control, and other health markers through visits and tests.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado

University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute (UWMDI), Seattle, Washington