Low-intensity movement breaks to improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes

The Acute Effect of Low-intensity Movement Breaks on Glycemic Responses in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

This study is testing if taking short, low-intensity movement breaks can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar better.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 30 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of British Columbia (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia)
• Trial ID: NCT06382259 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the immediate effects of low-intensity movement breaks on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes who are physically inactive. Participants will undergo two 48-hour conditions, one involving structured movement breaks and the other a control condition without exercise, while continuously monitoring their glucose levels. The study aims to determine if short, regular movement breaks can positively influence blood sugar responses. All meals will be standardized and provided to participants during both conditions to ensure consistency.

Who should consider this trial

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

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a simple and effective way for individuals with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that physical activity, even in low-intensity forms, can improve glycemic control, suggesting potential success for this approach.

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