Can a widely used once-weekly diabetes medication help prevent dizziness and falls after meals?
About the study
Postprandial hypotension is a drop in blood pressure within 2 hours of eating, common in older adults, and can cause dizziness, tiredness, fainting, or falls. Currently, there is no optimal treatment. This drop is linked to how quickly the stomach empties. A widely used once-weekly diabetes medication slows stomach emptying, but its effect on post-meal blood pressure is not well studied. Participants will take part over 13 weeks, including two full study days (about 5 hours each) to measure stomach emptying, and weekly short visits (about 30 minutes) to receive the medication.
Eligibility requirements
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- Are aged between 65 and 85 years
- Have not been diagnosed with diabetes
- Are in general good health
Study participants must be able to attend the Clinical Research Facility at the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building on North Terrace.
Recruitment timeline
Start of recruitment: March 2025
End of recruitment: June 2026
Benefits
Participation involves approximately 24 hours over the 13-week study. Volunteers will receive an honorarium of up to $500 upon completing the study, paid according to ethical committee approval.
To register your interest in taking part in this study, please contact the Study Co-ordinator on +61 402 593 400 or at researchdiabetes@adelaide.edu.au.
