SALT

The effect of increased sodium intake with a carbohydrate-rich meal on glucose homeostasis in subjects without diabetes after bariatric surgery: A proof-of-concept, randomised, open-label, crossover study.

The SALT Study

Study title

 

People without diabetes who have had weight loss surgery can develop symptoms due to low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) a few hours after eating a carbohydrate-rich meal. Common symptoms include dizziness, sweating, shaking, hunger and drowsiness. Symptoms happen when food passes too quickly into the intestines due to changes after surgery. Glucose from food is absorbed quickly and too much insulin is released.

Previous studies in people without surgery have shown that having salt with a sugar-rich meal can change how fast glucose is absorbed. This may reduce post-surgery hypoglycaemia symptoms.

In this study we are investigating the effect of adding salt to a sugar-rich meal and how this changes blood glucose and insulin levels in those who have had weight loss surgery.

Background

 

The aim is to explore whether salt could be a treatment option to reduce post-meal hypoglycaemia after weight loss surgery.

Study aims

 

This study is a proof-of-concept, randomised open label, cross over study, conducted in male and female participants (without diabetes) who have undergone Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB).

There are a total of three study visits which will take place at the Leicester Diabetes Centre. At visit one participants will be randomised to one of the following two treatment sequences:

  • Group one: a standardised MMTT with 2g of table salt at visit one, and then a standardised meal without additional table salt at visit two.

  • Group two: a standardised MMTT without addition of 2g table salt at visit one, then a set meal with 2g table salt at visit two.

Study summary

 

Study progress 

This study is currently open to recruitment.

Recruitment end date: June 2022

 

Funder: The Novo Nordisk UK Research Foundation/NIHR Biomedical Research Centre

Sponsor: University of Leicester

Funding and sponsorship

 

None yet

Study publications

 

Principle Investigator: Dr Dimitris Papamargaritis

Trial Manager: Frahim Makda

For more information about The SALT study, please contact us on the below:

Phone: 0116 258 8596

Email: SALT@uhl-tr.nhs.uk or Frahim.makda@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Research team