Effect of VeSTAL Device in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive electrical vestibular nerve stimulation (VeNS), together with a lifestyle modification program, as a method of reducing HbA1c, as compared to a sham control with both study arms incorporating a lifestyle modification program.

* Allocation: Randomized
* Endpoint classification: Efficacy Study
* Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment in 1:1 active to control allocation

There is an ongoing and worsening problem with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in the developed, and much of the developing world. Although it has long been realized that Western diets that are rich in sugar and fat play an important role in this, it has only recently been realized that exposure to these diets, particularly in childhood, can damage the part of the brain that determines how much fat there is in the body, which may well play a role in the development of metabolic syndrome, deranged glycemic control and type 2 DM. It is believed, based on animal and human work, that VeNS pushes the set-point for fat downwards to cause fat loss, possibly because this indicates to the brain a state of increased physical activity. VeNS may additionally have other direct, yet to be quantified, effects on glycemic control.

The sponsors have unpublished pilot data from Dr Saisailesh Kumar at RDG Medical College in India that show an improvement in glycemic control can be achieved by one hour a day of VeNS over a three month period. Both groups received a hypocaloric diet tailored to diabetics. The aim of this study is to determine whether this effect can be replicated in a slightly larger European based population.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Type 2 DM
2. HbA1c ≥7.0% and ≤10.0%
3. If on oral anti-diabetic medication should be stable dosage regime last 3 months
4. Males or Females. Note females of child-bearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test.
5. 18-80 years of age inclusive on starting the study.
6. Ability and willingness to complete all study visits and procedures; in particular an agreement to engage with: trying to use the device on a daily basis; the hypocaloric diet weight loss program; and this provided weight loss support and mentoring.
7. Agreement not to use of prescription, or over-the-counter, weight loss preparations for the duration of the trial.
8. Agreement not to start smoking tobacco or marijuana for the duration of the study.
9. Access to Wi-Fi (to connect iPod to internet)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of vestibular dysfunction or other inner ear disease as indicated by the screening questions.
2. History of skin breakdown, eczema or other dermatological condition (e.g. psoriasis) affecting the skin behind the ears.
3. History of weight loss device implantation (e.g. VBloc Maestro or Abiliti).
4. Use of a non-invasive weight loss device (e.g. Modius)
5. Hypothyroidism requiring current treatment with levothyroxine (e.g. Levo-T, Synthroid, Thyroxine) (Other thyroid disorder patients on stable treatment for at least 3 months are acceptable).
6. Other endocrinological causes of weight gain (e.g. Cushing's disease, Cushing's syndrome or acromegaly)
7. Previous diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS (HIV is known to cause a vestibular neuropathy which would prevent VeNS from working).
8. Diagnosis of liver, kidney or heart failure.
9. Tobacco or marijuana smoking in the 3 months before starting and for the duration of the study.
10. Known genetic cause of type 2 DM (e.g., Prader-Willi Syndrome).
11. Current, active member of an organized weight loss program.
12. Diagnosis of Type 1 DM.
13. Use of insulin.
14. Diagnosis of epilepsy or use of anti-epileptic medication within 3 months of starting the study (e.g. for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy)
15. Use of oral or intravenous corticosteroid medication within 3 months of starting the study.
16. Use of the beta-blockers within 3 months of starting the study.
17. Current alterations in treatment regimens of anti-depressant medication for whatever reason (including tricyclic antidepressants) (Note: stable treatment regimen for prior 6 months acceptable).
18. A myocardial infarction within the preceding year.
19. A history of stroke or severe head injury (as defined by a head injury that required craniotomy or endotracheal intubation). (In case this damaged the neurological pathways involved in vestibular stimulation).
20. Presence of permanently implanted battery powered medical device or stimulator (e.g., pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, deep brain stimulator, vagal nerve stimulator etc.).
21. Untreated severe depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and eating disorder.
22. Current participant in another clinical trial.
23. Have a family member who is currently participating or is planning to participate in this study.
24. Pregnancy.
25. Blood transfusion within 4 months, or need for recurrent transfusions.
26. Hemolytic anemias including sickle cell, thalassemia and autoimmune varieties.
27. Hemochromatosis.
28. Use of dietary/ herbal supplements to assist with diabetic control.
29. History of migraine headaches.