Understanding why people with metabolic diseases struggle to adapt to aerobic exercise
Official title: Mechanisms for Impaired Adaptation to Aerobic Exercise with Metabolic Disease
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11133512 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why people with metabolic diseases like diabetes might not get the full benefits from aerobic exercise, focusing on how high blood sugar levels can affect muscle responses, and it aims to find ways to help these individuals improve their exercise results for better health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $475,718 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK124258-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133512 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who are interested in improving their exercise capacity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic diseases or those who do not engage in aerobic exercise may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind the reduced ability of individuals with metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, to benefit from aerobic exercise. It focuses on how high blood sugar levels may hinder the body's normal adaptations to exercise, particularly in muscle tissues. By studying both clinical data and animal models, the research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms at play and develop strategies to enhance exercise responses in affected individuals. The ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes for patients through better exercise interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved exercise programs that enhance fitness and health for patients with metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the biological mechanisms of exercise response can lead to significant improvements in treatment strategies for similar conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lessard, Sarah — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Lessard, Sarah
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.