Ketone Supplementation, Glucose Control, and Cardiovascular Function

The Effects of Exogenous Ketone Supplementation on Cardiovascular Function and Glucose Control

Post-prandial hyperglycemic excursions induce a cascade of deleterious effects on the body, including increased inflammation, production of reactive oxygen species, and impaired cardiovascular function. Ingestion of an exogenous oral ketone supplement blunts hyperglycemia in response to an oral glucose tolerance test. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that exogenous ketone supplement ingestion prior to a meal could be an effective strategy for blunting postprandial hyperglycemia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of short-term (14-days) pre-meal exogenous ketone supplementation on glucose control, cardiovascular function, inflammation, and oxidative stress in individuals at an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elevated waist circumference (>102 cm for males, >88 cm for females) and/or Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and/or Diagnoses of prediabetes based on A1C (5.7-6.4%) and/or fasting plasma glucose (5.6-6.9 mmol/l) using ADA criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• Competitively trained endurance athlete
• Actively attempting to lose weight
• History of mental illness or existing neurological disease(s)
• Previous cardiovascular events (i.e., heart attack, stroke)
• Diagnoses of diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease
• Taking medication that may interfere with insulin sensitivity
• Currently following a ketogenic diet or taking ketone supplements
• Unable to commit for 2 separate 14-day trials and unable to follow a controlled diet