Effect of Aerobic Interval Training on Cardiovascular Function in Type 2 Diabetes

Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Dysfunction and Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

The study objectives are:

1. To compare cardiovascular function in type 2 diabetes patients vs. healthy controls.
2. To compare the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic interval training versus continuous moderate exercise on cardiovascular function in adults with type 2 diabetes.
3. To examine the mechanisms underlying the exercise-related changes in cardiovascular function.

The investigators hypothesize that compared to continuous moderate intensity exercise training, interval training will be more effective in improving cardiovascular function in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular function will be measured at baseline in adults with type 2 diabetes and in age-matched healthy controls. Research volunteers with type 2 diabetes who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomized to the aerobic interval training group, continuous moderate exercise group or non-exercise control group. At the end of the 8-week randomized control exercise intervention, baseline measures will be repeated.

Inclusion Criteria for type 2 diabetes :

• Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
• Sedentary or minimally physically active for at least the prior 1 year
• Able to give consent

Inclusion criteria for healthy control group:

• Sedentary or minimally physically active for at least the prior 1 year
• Able to give consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of diabetic proliferative retinopathy, autonomic or peripheral neuropathy
• History of any relevant cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, history of coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia)
• Hypertension (≥160 mmHg systolic or ≥100 mmHg diastolic)
• History of renal impairment
• History of gout or hyperuricemia
• History of hepatic disease or infection with hepatitis B, C
• History of seizures, or other relevant on-going or recurrent illness
• Recent (within 3 months) or recurrent hospitalizations
• Use of tobacco products
• >5 % weight change in the prior 6 months.
• Current intake of medications that may affect study results
• Premenopausal women taking oral contraceptives and postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy.
• Pregnancy (positive urine pregnancy test) or lactation
• For the healthy control group, history of diabetes.