Lifestyle Control of Postprandial Hyperglycemia

Low-carbohydrate Diet, With or Without Exercise, for Improving Postprandial Glucose Control and Vascular Function in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes.

Large spikes in blood glucose experienced after meals in people with type 2 diabetes are known to damage blood vessels. Low carbohydrate high fat diets and exercise can improve blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes but it is unclear how these two strategies interact to affect blood vessel function and inflammation. We will examine how following a short-term low carbohydrate high fat diet (4 days) with or without post-meal walking impacts markers of blood vessel function and inflammation. We will also examine how a single low carbohydrate high fat meal, with or without post-meal walking, impacts blood glucose control and blood vessel function. Findings will help determine the best lifestyle approach for improving cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (at least 6 months ago)
• Aged 40-75
• Engaging in 2 or less moderate-to-vigorous exercise bouts per week in the last 3 months
• Ability to understand and communicate in English to interact with the personal trainer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed coronary artery disease
• Any contraindications to exercise (e.g., musculoskeletal injury)
• Prior history of cardio- or cerebrovascular disease or myocardial infarction
• Hypertension that is not controlled by medication (systolic blood pressure (BP) >160 mmHg and/or diastolic BP >99 mmHg)
• Change in diabetes medications in the previous 6 months
• Diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy
• Taking exogenous insulin