Randomized, Parallel Group, Dose Escalation Trial of Pioglitazone Versus Empagliflozin for Chronic Pancreatitis/Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis Associated Diabetes Mellitus: The PEP-DM Trial
The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy of pioglitazone (PIO) versus empagliflozin (EMPA) to improve glycemic control in people with Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) or Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis (RAP) associated with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). To evaluate mixed meal response in PIO versus EMPA group to better understand physiology of both therapies in CP-DM.
• Age ≥18-80 years at the time of enrollment.
• RAP or CP with DM diagnosed before or after CP diagnosis (Confirmed CP on imaging or RAP based on PROCEED study criteria, and confirmed DM as per ADA criteria or clinically diagnosed with DM and on antihyperglycemic therapy)
• Able to provide written informed consent and participate in longitudinal follow-up
• A Stable retinal exam within 1 year prior to enrollment unless new onset diabetes was diagnosed within 6 months prior to study enrollment. If an eye exam within the past year is not available but the most recent exam is stable, a standard of care eye exam needs to be scheduled during the study period.
• HbA1c level 6.5-10.5% at screening visit.
• Current ongoing treatment with metformin and/or insulin and other antihyperglycemic medications will be accepted at screening. Patients will be willing to safely withdraw one or more study medication or mealtime insulin under the supervision of the study team by the time of screening. The patients clinical team will be informed promptly. Patients not on any antihyperglycemic medications are also eligible.
• a. If on a GLP-1 medication (e.g., semaglutide \[Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus\], liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, tirzepatide, etc.), the patient must be on a stable dose for at least 3 months prior to enrollment, with stable weight status at the time of enrollment and the GLP-1 dose cannot be escalated during the study period.
• Willing to perform blood glucose and ketone testing on study provided meters as per study protocol.