Exercise and protein efficiency in older adults with and without type 2 diabetes
Official title: Exercise Impact on Dietary Protein Efficiency in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Run by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NCT07477067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This 12-week exercise program tests whether progressive exercise changes protein metabolism, fitness, gut microbiota, and blood sugar control in adults over 65 with and without type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Urbana, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07477067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older with BMI 25–40 kg/m2 who are weight-stable, not engaged in structured exercise for the prior six months, and either have physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes (HbA1c >6.5%) or meet the study's normoglycemic criteria for controls.
✕Probably not a fit
People with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >10%), those taking insulin, with diabetic neuropathy, on statins or certain vasoactive medications, pregnant or potentially pregnant, or currently using ergogenic supplements are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 30 adults over age 65, including 15 with type 2 diabetes and 15 matched controls, for a 12-week progressive exercise training program. Participants will complete detailed pre- and post-testing of body composition, oral glucose tolerance, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle performance. Protein metabolism will be measured using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method with labeled amino acid drinks plus breath and urine sampling, and the gut microbiome component uses a 13C-phenylalanine–enriched meal with serial blood draws and a stool sample. The protocol involves multiple supervised exercise sessions and several in-person testing visits at the University of Illinois site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify exercise approaches that improve muscle protein use, fitness, and blood sugar control in older adults with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows exercise improves glycemic control and muscle function in older adults, but combining IAAO protein efficiency measures with a gut microbiome meal challenge is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 65 years old * Body mass index: 25-40 kg/m\^2 * Female: Waist to hip ratio \>0.8 * Male: Waist to hip ratio \>1.0 * Free from structured exercise during the prior 6 months (mo) weight stable for the prior 6 months T2D group: -Diagnosed by a physician with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) \>6.5% Control group: -Normoglycemic with HbA1c levels not exceeding 5.6% and fasting blood glucose levels below or equal to 99 mg/dL (5.5mmol) Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled diabetes (evidence of HbA1c \> 10%, prescription of insulin) * Diagnoses of diabetic neuropathy or failing diabetic neuropathy screening * Statins * Peripheral edema Consumption of ergogenic-levels of dietary supplements that may affect muscle mass (e.g., creatine, HMB), insulin-like substances, or anabolic/catabolic pro-hormones (e.g., DHEA) within 6 weeks prior to participation. * Untreated hypothyroidism, epilepsy, medications that affect vasoactivity, possibility of pregnancy, and any neurological, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal disease that precludes exercise testing.
Where it's running
-
Freer Hall - University of Illinois
Urbana, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicholas Burd (Professor), PhD
- Email: naburd@illinois.edu
- Phone: 2172440970
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.