AuthorisedTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

High-dose Insulin Euglycemic Therapy in Non-Toxic Acute Cardiogenic Shock.

Cardiogenic shock is a critical, life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to supply the body. This usually happens after a severe heart problem, such as a major heart attack. Doctors in this Phase II trial are testing an approach called 'high-dose insulin therapy'. While insulin is usually used for diabetes, very high doses may give weakened heart muscle cells an energy boost to help them pump more effectively. Because large amounts of insulin lower blood sugar and potassium levels, patients will also receive glucose (sugar) and potassium drips to keep these balanced safely. The study tracks heart pumping strength, kidney function, and general recovery over 48 hours in intensive care, with a follow-up check at six weeks to see if the treatment improves survival and long-term heart health.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Oslo Universitetssykehus HF

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2026

Non-toxic acute cardiogenic shock

What is this study about?

Cardiogenic shock is a severe medical emergency that occurs when the heart muscle suddenly becomes too weak to pump enough blood around the body. Without enough blood flow, vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and brain can quickly begin to struggle. It most commonly happens after a severe heart attack or sudden heart failure, and patients need immediate, intensive care in hospital.

Current treatments rely on powerful medications and machines to help the heart beat and keep blood pressure up. However, these drugs can sometimes put extra strain on an already damaged heart. Researchers in this study are exploring a different approach: giving the heart muscle an extra source of fuel. They are testing whether high doses of insulin can help the heart cells take in more energy and pump more strongly.

Giving high doses of insulin lowers blood sugar and potassium, which can be dangerous if unmanaged. To keep patients safe, doctors also give continuous drips of glucose (sugar) and potassium, closely monitoring blood levels so they stay normal. The trial aims to find out if this treatment helps the heart recover faster, reduces the need for other heavy medications, and protects organs like the kidneys over the first 48 hours and up to six weeks later.

Key takeaways

Tests high-dose insulin to give failing heart muscle cells a boost of energy.
Combines insulin with sugar and potassium drips to keep blood levels balanced.
Aimed at adults in intensive care with sudden, life-threatening cardiogenic shock.
Tracks heart pumping ability and kidney function closely for 48 hours, with a 6-week review.
Taking part is voluntary, and standard intensive care is always maintained.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is designed for adults aged 18 and older who are admitted to an intensive care unit with acute cardiogenic shock. This means their heart has suddenly become critically weak, but not because of a drug overdose or poisoning.

Because cardiogenic shock is an immediate medical emergency, patients are assessed directly by the hospital medical team. The doctors check whether the patient's heart function, blood pressure, and organ health meet the exact medical criteria needed to take part safely.

People whose heart shock is caused by accidental poisoning or a medicine overdose cannot take part. The intensive care doctors will also review each person's overall medical background to ensure that taking part in the trial is safe and appropriate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Aged 18 years or older.
Currently being treated in hospital for acute cardiogenic shock.
The heart weakness is not caused by a drug overdose or poisoning.
Able to receive intravenous drips and intensive care monitoring.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study happens entirely while the patient is being treated in an intensive care unit. Participants will receive the trial medications through an intravenous drip (into a vein). This includes high-dose insulin, along with glucose and potassium solutions to keep blood sugar and mineral levels stable.

During the first 48 hours, doctors will closely track how the heart and body respond. This involves continuous heart rhythm monitoring (ECG), blood tests to check kidney function and heart stress markers, and ultrasound scans of the heart (echocardiograms). Doctors will also measure blood pressures and heart pumping strength using specialised monitoring tubes already common in intensive care.

After the initial 48-hour treatment phase, normal hospital care continues. The study team will follow up on the patient's recovery at around six weeks to see how their heart and kidneys are working, and to check if they have needed any extra mechanical heart support.

Potential risks and benefits

There is no guarantee that this treatment will directly improve a participant's condition, but researchers hope it will help the heart pump better and protect other organs. The main risks involve high doses of insulin, which can cause blood sugar or potassium levels to drop dangerously low; however, the intensive care team continuously monitors these levels and gives sugar and potassium drips to prevent this. Other risks include possible abnormal heart rhythms or reactions at drip sites. Because patients in cardiogenic shock are critically ill, family members or doctors often make decisions in the patient's best interest initially, but participation is completely voluntary and consent can be withdrawn at any point without affecting standard NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Norway

Common questions

Why is insulin being used for a heart condition?

Although insulin is best known for managing diabetes, in very high doses it can help heart muscle cells take up glucose quickly, giving a weak heart the extra fuel it needs to pump.

Will this cause dangerously low blood sugar?

High doses of insulin do lower blood sugar, which is why patients are simultaneously given a continuous glucose (sugar) drip and have their blood sugar checked frequently to keep levels safe.

Can someone sign up for this trial in advance?

No. Cardiogenic shock is an unexpected, life-threatening emergency. People are only enrolled if they suddenly develop this condition while in or arriving at hospital.

How long does the study treatment last?

The intensive treatment and close monitoring phase lasts for the first 48 hours, followed by a check on your recovery around six weeks later.

What happens if a patient cannot give consent because they are too unwell?

In emergency situations where a patient is unconscious or very ill, strict legal and ethical rules allow doctors to consult family members or independent doctors before starting the trial treatment.