Impact of different exercise intensities on gut health in people with type 2 diabetes

Understanding the GUT Microbiome Through a Fitness Intervention of Aerobic and Resistance Training for Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (GUTFIT Study)

Not applicable Interventional University of New Brunswick · NCT06268743

This study is testing whether high-intensity exercise can improve blood sugar levels and gut health more than moderate-intensity exercise in people with type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of New Brunswick Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fredericton, New Brunswick)
Trial IDNCT06268743 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates how varying intensities of aerobic and resistance training affect glycemic control and gut microbiome diversity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a high-intensity or moderate-intensity exercise program for 16 weeks. The study aims to determine if higher intensity training leads to greater improvements in HbA1c levels and bacterial diversity compared to moderate intensity. A total of 40 adults with poor glycemic control will be included in this parallel-group, single-blinded trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19-64 with type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control who do not currently meet recommended physical activity levels.

Not a fit: Patients who are already engaging in regular exercise or have well-controlled diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimizing exercise regimens for better diabetes management and gut health.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into exercise and gut microbiome interactions, this specific approach of comparing high and moderate intensity in type 2 diabetes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 19 - 64 years old;
* Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes;
* An HbA1c \>= 7.0%;
* Not currently meeting the recommended levels of physical activity for optimal health (i.e., 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and 2+ days/week of resistance training);
* Average less than 10,000 steps per day over the last seven days;
* No change in diabetes medications over the last three months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not diagnosed with type 2 diabetes;
* Partaking in a self-reported regular exercise regimen, defined as consistent participation in running or jogging activity, attending exercise classes every week, or averaging 10,000 steps per day or more over seven days;
* Currently performing two days of resistance training per week;
* Having an injury that would prevent safe participation in the intervention;
* A self-reported diagnosis of low iron concentrations, anemia, or being treated for these conditions;
* A diagnosis of any red blood cell altering condition (i.e., sickle cell anemia, poikilocytosis);
* Currently living with any cardiovascular disease which would impact the ability to participate in exercise safely;
* Currently prescribed any medication which would impact the ability to use a heart rate monitor to accurately track intensity.

Where this trial is running

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Type 2 DiabetesExercise intensityAerobic trainingResistance trainingGut microbiomePhysical activityGlycemiaDiabetes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.