Glycemic Load & Resistance Training on Endothelial Function & Insulin Sensitivity

Glycemic Load & Resistance Training on Endothelial Function & Insulin Sensitivity

This project is prompted by the urgent public health need to identify novel strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The higher prevalence of CVD, T2D, and metabolic syndrome in obese individuals is a major healthcare concern. Therefore, finding optimal intervention strategies to combat these growing epidemics is imperative.

At present, the extent to which dietary components can modify endothelial function, monocyte inflammation and glycemic variations is not well defined, although different carbohydrates are known to vary in their abilities to induce plasma glucose and insulin responses. Epidemiologic work suggests that high dietary glycemic load (GL) is associated with increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, endothelial dysfunction markers, and increased risk of T2D and coronary heart disease (CHD). We are examining using randomized control trials low vs. high-GL diet to determine if low-GL diets induce improvements in endothelial function or monocyte inflammation. Furthermore, resistance training is an alternate form of exercise from conventional aerobic training. Resistance Training has the potential to improve endothelial function or monocyte phenotype, but there is very little data in this area. We hypothesize that resistance training may augment the beneficial effects of a low-GL diet in improving metabolic health.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-35 with BMI≥30 and/or your waist circumference ≥40 inches for males or ≥35 inches for females
• In good health as determined by the screening visit and review of medical history

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have a known heart arrhythmia and/or abnormalities found in electrocardiogram (ECG) reading or use of medications that influence CV function
• Have been in a weight loss or exercise program in the 6 months prior to participation
• Use tobacco products
• Have a syndrome or are prescribed medications that may influence body composition, insulin action, or CVD (e.g. PCOS, prednisone, methylphenidate, etc.)
• Have intolerance to lactose or gluten
• Pregnant