NCT05899166 · Boston Children's Hospital
Carbohydrate Beta Cell Function and Glucose Control in Children With Diabetes
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effects of a ketogenic diet on the progression and control of type 1 diabetes in children with newly diagnosed diabetes.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effects of a ketogenic diet on the progression and control of type 1 diabetes in children with newly diagnosed diabetes. The main questions to answer are: * Does a ketogenic diet prolong the honeymoon period of type 1 diabetes? * Does a ketogenic diet improve diabetes control? * Is a ketogenic diet safe, acceptable and sustainable in children with newly diagnosed diabetes? * What are the microbiome, inflammatory and metabolic changes linking diet to β-cell function? Participants will receive a combination of free meals, groceries, micronutrient supplements, and intensive diet and diabetes education for 9 months. * Diabetes care devices will be connected for cloud-based data collection. * Bi-weekly data downloads and remote check-ins will assess dietary intake, satisfaction with diet and study procedures, and possible safety concerns. * During four study visits held at at baseline, 1, 5, and 9 months, an intravenous catheter (IV) will be placed for collection of 5 blood samples before and up to 2 hours after a liquid test meal (protein shake) to assess insulin response. A stool sample will also be collected to assess microbiome changes. * Children and their caregivers may be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview, and online questionnaires to assess their experience with the diet and diabetes care, general well-being and quality of life. * Children and their caregivers may be invited to participate in a follow-up visit to evaluate long-term effects after 24 months. Comparison will be made between a ketogenic vs standard diet.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Children aged 5 to 12 years.
- Within 3 month of diabetes diagnosis.
- Insulin adjusted HbA1c ≤9 if enrolled ≥ 2 months pat diagnosis.
- Type 1 diabetes confirmed by immediate insulin requirement and any 2 of the following criteria: autoimmunity marker \[glutamate decarboxylase-65, islet-antigen-2, zinc transporter-8, insulin \[prior to first insulin dose\]; age under 10 years, BMI \<95th percentile.
- Family committed and able to participate in study education and implement dietary intervention.
Exclusion criteria
- Dietary needs or habits incompatible with the study meal plans, (e.g., vegan, major food intolerances/allergies, ketogenic).
- Eating disorders as assessed by Chede-Q8.
- Major medical illness or use of medications other than insulin that could interfere with metabolic or glycemic variables.
- Major psychiatric illness.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 24, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations