Type 2 Diabetes Study Explores A Nutritional Supplement That May Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Research Center:  School of Health and Exercise Sciences, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia
Location: 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
Lead Researcher: Jonathan Little, PhD 

About the Study

Have you ever heard of ketone bodies? Our body makes ketone bodies during extended fasting or when one constantly eats a diet low in carbohydrates (sometimes referred to as the Ketogenic “Keto” diet). Ketones in the blood can be used as a source of energy, but they may also act as signals that influence different cells in the body. If ketone supplements are available, it could provide an alternative that would not require fasting or consuming a “keto” diet.

Previous research studies being conducted at the School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus have shown that ketone supplementation can lower blood sugar levels without making any other changes to the diet. Taking ketone supplements could be an effective strategy for improving blood sugar control. This research study seeks to know the effects of ketone supplements on blood sugar levels among people with type 2 diabetes. The results of this study will be used to guide future recommendations on the use of ketone supplements for improving health in individuals with, or at elevated risk of, type 2 diabetes.

Does this research study interest you? See if you’re eligible!

Why Participate? 

  • Participants will receive personalized meals provided for 28 days by a local meal preparation service provider free of charge. 
  • Participants will receive a nutritional supplement for type 2 diabetes at no cost.
  • Participants may experience improvements in the management of type 2 diabetes symptoms (i.e., better blood sugar control). 
  • Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with type 2 diabetes in the future.
  • Participants will be helping to advance type 2 diabetes research.

Your Rights

  • If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time without repercussion.
  • Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential.
  • Qualified health researchers will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

  • Adults aged 30-69 years old 
  • Must be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by a physician
  • Must not be actively following a low or a very-low-calorie diet in attempts to lose weight 
  • Must not be taking 3 or more diabetes medications
  • Must not be following a ketogenic (low-carb diet) or taking ketone supplements 
  • Must be able to attend 5 study visits at the laboratory of the University of British Columbia over a 1-2 month period. The 5 study visits are not on continuous days, the study team can further elaborate on this.

Key Study Details 

The study team will explain the research study in its entirety but some details are:

  • Participation in this study involves following a controlled diet.
  • Participation in this study involves consuming a ketone supplement 3 times per day (before meals) for 14 days. 
  • Participation in this study will involve reporting to the lab fasted for certain morning visits (not eating or drinking anything except water upon waking up), collecting a blood sample, answering questionnaires, inserting a glucose monitor on the upper arm, and wearing an activity tracker.
  • This research is sponsored by research funds provided by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR).

About the Research Center:

University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and recently recognized as North America’s most international university. UBC is a research powerhouse. UBC consistently ranks as one of the world’s top research universities across many fields.

Please note:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance. Participants and study staff will follow Public Health Orders and UBC’s COVID-19 Research Resumption guidelines.

What’s Next?

  1. Click the link to enter your contact details and take the study questionnaire.
  2. If eligible, a member of the research team will contact you to discuss the study and answer any questions you may have.
Click Here to Check Your Eligibility for This Study

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