Impact of short exercise sessions on blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes

The Acute Effect of "Exercise Snacks" on Glycemic Responses in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

This study is testing whether short bursts of intense exercise can help people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels compared to not exercising.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 30 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of British Columbia (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia)
• Trial ID: NCT06382246 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the acute effects of 'exercise snacks' on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes who are physically inactive. Participants will undergo two 48-hour conditions, one involving short bouts of vigorous exercise and the other a control condition without exercise, while wearing continuous glucose monitors to track their blood sugar responses. The trials will be randomized and separated by a washout period, with standardized meals provided throughout. The goal is to determine how brief, intense exercise impacts blood sugar levels in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 30-75 with physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes who engage in less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week.

Not a fit: Patients who are already highly active or have uncontrolled diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new, effective strategy for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar short-duration exercise interventions in improving glycemic control, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 30-75 years old.
* Have physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
* Currently participating in less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week.
* Have a body mass index between 18.5 and 40 kg/m2.
* Have had a stable medication dosage and no changes to the number of prescribed medications for at least 6 months.
* Able to maintain current medication doses during the study.
* Able to maintain current physical activity patterns during the study.
* HbA1c is less than or equal to 8.5%.
* Have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone for intervention delivery and tracking.
* Can travel to McMaster University for in-person laboratory testing visits.
* Can read, write, and understand English.
* Anticipate having access to the internet for the duration of the intervention (i.e., over the next 3-4 months).
* Cleared for exercise participation based on the CSEP Get Active Questionnaire and the Rose Angina Questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Taking 4 or more glucose-lowering medications.
* Taking insulin.
* Taking beta-blockers.
* Taking 3 or more commonly prescribed medications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (e.g., statins, antihypertensives).
* 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).
* Currently a cigarette smoker.
* Have a chronic musculoskeletal condition that would prevent participation in exercise.
* Have had a recent (within the last 2 years) cardiovascular event that prevents participation in exercise.
* Experience angina upon exertion.
* Have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) or an atypical blood pressure or pulse rate at rest or during exercise as determined by a physician.
* Have a scheduled surgical procedure within the next 3-4 months that would prevent exercise participation.
* Currently diagnosed with a cardiac or pulmonary disease (e.g., angina, arrythmia, exercise-induced bronchospasm) that would prevent exercise participation.
* Have a psychiatric disorder that could prevent you from completing the study procedures or visits.
* Have donated more than 0.5 L of blood within the last 4 weeks.
* 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).
* Currently have diabetic ulcers, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetic neuropathy that will prevent participation in exercise.
* Currently on dialysis.
* Currently participating in another clinical trial that interferes with the study procedures.
* Currently pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant during the intervention (i.e., within the next 3-4 months).

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