Role of Endothelial Dysfunction on Exercise Pressor Reflex in Type 2 Diabetes

Role of Endothelial Dysfunction on Exercise Pressor Reflex in Type 2 Diabetes

Exaggerated blood pressure responses to exercise in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death, while also limiting exercise capacity and therapeutic benefits of physical activity. This research will determine whether impaired blood vessel function and excessive cellular damage from oxygen-containing molecules cause these dangerous blood pressure responses during exercise. The findings will establish whether targeting cellular antioxidant systems represents a new therapeutic approach to improve exercise tolerance and reduce cardiovascular risk in t Americans living with diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Type 2 Diabetes: 18 - 80 years old, able to give informed consent, > 6 months post-diagnosis, > 6 months stable medications for management
• Healthy controls: 18 - 80 years old, able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, symptomatic coronary artery disease, cardiovascular event in last year (MI, stroke), uncontrolled or unmanaged hypertension (>160/90 mmHg), heart failure, renal impairments, current or recent (<6 months) tobacco use, hormone replacement therapy, documented neuromuscular disorders, pregnancy
• Healthy Controls: Same as listed in Type 2 Diabetes with Type 2 Diabetes as an exclusion factor