Examining short bursts of exercise for people with type 2 diabetes

Efficacy of Exercise Snacks in Real-World Settings in Individuals Living With Type 2 Diabetes

This study is testing if short, intense exercise sessions delivered through an app can help adults with type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control and fitness.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 30 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of British Columbia (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia)
• Trial ID: NCT06407245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized control trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week intervention involving short, technology-enabled exercise sessions, referred to as 'exercise snacks', for adults living with type 2 diabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an exercise group, performing vigorous bodyweight exercises, or a placebo group, engaging in low-intensity exercises. The intervention will be delivered through a mobile app or web platform, allowing for individualized exercise plans based on personal preferences and physical abilities. Participants will be encouraged to complete multiple short exercise bouts each day, with follow-up assessments conducted after the intervention period to measure changes in glycemic control and fitness levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 30-75 with physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes who are physically inactive and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions or recent cardiovascular events may not benefit from this study due to exercise limitations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve glycemic control and overall fitness in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using short bursts of exercise to improve health outcomes, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 30-75 years.
2. Have physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
3. Physically inactive (performing \<150 min moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week).
4. Body mass index: 18.5-40 kg/m2.
5. Taking ≤3 glucose-lowering medications (excluding insulin) and stable dose for \> 6 months.
6. Taking ≤2 commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications (e.g., statins, antihypertensive).
7. HbA1c ≤8.5%.
8. Able to maintain current physical activity patterns during the study.
9. Cleared to engage in physical activity using the Get Active Questionnaire and, if applicable, consultation with a health care provider or Qualified Exercise Professional.
10. Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone for intervention delivery and tracking.
11. Ability to read and write in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Chronic musculoskeletal condition or recent (within 2 years) cardiovascular event preventing participation in exercise.
2. Lack of internet access.
3. Angina upon exertion assessed by the Rose Angina Questionnaire.
4. Prescribed beta-blockers that can compromise the validity of heart rate measurements. during the submaximal exercise test.
5. Have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension; ≥ 160/90 mmHg) or an atypical blood pressure or pulse rate at rest or during exercise as determined by a physician.
6. Have a scheduled surgical procedure within the next 3-4 months that would prevent exercise participation.
7. Currently diagnosed with a cardiac or pulmonary disease (e.g., angina, arrythmia, exercise-induced bronchospasm) that would prevent exercise participation.
8. Have a psychiatric disorder that could prevent you from completing the study procedures or visits.
9. Have donated more than 0.5 L of blood within the last 4 weeks.
10. Currently following an extreme diet (e.g., very low carbohydrate/calorie, ketogenic) or taking dietary/nutritional supplements that impact glucose control (e.g., exogenous ketones).
11. Currently have diabetic ulcers, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetic neuropathy that will prevent participation in exercise.
12. Currently participating in another clinical trial that interferes with the study procedures.
13. Currently on dialysis.
14. Currently pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant during the intervention (i.e., within the next 4 months).
15. Have had an episode of severe hypoglycemia in the past 6 months (defined as having neurological symptoms consistent with neuroglycopenia and required assistance in treatment by a second party).

Where this trial is running

Kelowna, British Columbia

• University of British Columbia Okanagan — Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jonathan Little, PhD — University of British Columbia
• Study coordinator: Jonathan P Little, PhD

Conditions Type 2 Diabetes