Type 2 Diabetes Post Exercise Arterial Stiffness

Type 2 Diabetes Post Exercise Arterial Stiffness

The overall aim of this research proposal is to determine the impact of GLP1 agonists on post-exercise arterial stiffness. Therefore, the investigators will examine the cardiovascular responses to exercise in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) taking these medications during and following a graded maximal exercise test.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant public health concern associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Notably, individuals with T2DM often exhibit increased arterial stiffness, a key indicator of cardiovascular risk. Pharmacological interventions such as GLP1 agonists have emerged as crucial treatments for T2DM, offering glycemic control and potential cardiovascular benefits, including improvements in blood pressure and arterial stiffness. However, while the effects of GLP1 agonists on glycemic control and blood pressure regulation have been explored, their impact on arterial stiffness, specifically in response to exercise, remains largely unexplored in individuals with T2DM. Arterial stiffness is a critical marker of cardiovascular health, and its reduction is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk which include lowered blood pressure. Therefore, the overall aim of this research is to investigate whether GLP1 agonists attenuate arterial stiffness post exercise and reduce peak exercise blood pressure in individuals with T2DM.

Inclusion Criteria:

Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

• Age between 18 and 60 years old.
• Currently receiving treatment with a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) agonist for the management of T2DM for a minimum duration of six months.
• For control group no current use of a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) agonist for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
• HbA1c levels between 6.5-8%
• Body Mass Index (BMI) within the range of 25 to 40 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Coronary heart disease.
• Pulmonary disease (e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Neurological disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, dementia)
• Congestive heart failure.
• Peripheral vascular disease.
• Liver failure.
• Kidney failure.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Drug abuse.
• Smoking.
• Hypertension (defined as Systolic Blood Pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or Diastolic Blood Pressure ≥ 90 mmHg)
• Insulin therapy for the management of T2DM
• Severe obesity (defined as Body Mass Index >40 kg/m2);
• Pregnancy
• Non-English speaking individuals