Exercise and protein efficiency in older adults with and without type 2 diabetes
Exercise Impact on Dietary Protein Efficiency in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Urbana, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT07477067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Urbana, Illinois
- Freer Hall - University of Illinois — Urbana, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicholas Burd (Professor), PhD
- Email: naburd@illinois.edu
- Phone: 2172440970
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.