RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07477067

Exercise and Protein Efficiency in T2D

Exercise Impact on Dietary Protein Efficiency in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Sponsor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Feb 9, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Type 2 Diabetes Control Condition

Summary

In this randomized controlled trial, 30 older adults (aged\> 65 years; 15 with T2D, 15 controls) will participate in a 12-week progressive exercise training program. They will undergo pre- and post-testing that includes body composition measures; oral glucose tolerance testing; cardiovascular fitness and muscle performance testing; dietary protein efficiency assessed using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method; and a gut microbiota trial. The dietary protein efficiency trial will include repeated ingestion of crystallized amino acids (drink) containing stable isotopes, urine samples, and breath samples. The gut microbiome trial will consist of a single ingestion of a Mediterranean-based modeled meal enriched with 13C-phenylalanine (in the drink) and repeated blood draws. Participants will also be asked to give a fecal sample after the gut microbiome trial.

Eligibility

Min Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is investigating how exercise affects the way the body uses protein in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Researchers want to understand whether diabetes changes how efficiently the body builds and maintains muscle from protein, and whether exercise can help. **You may be eligible if...** - You are at least 65 years old - Your body mass index (BMI) is between 25 and 40 - You have not done structured exercise in the past 6 months and your weight has been stable - You have type 2 diabetes with an HbA1c above 6.5%, OR you have normal blood sugar levels (HbA1c below 5.6%) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your diabetes is poorly controlled (HbA1c above 10%) or you use insulin - You have diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy) - You take statin medications - You have leg or foot swelling (peripheral edema) - You take muscle-building supplements like creatine - You have thyroid disease, epilepsy, heart problems, or other conditions that make exercise unsafe Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHER12 week progressive exercise training

moderate - to - vigorous aerobic and strength-based exercise training will be performed 2-3 times per week for 12 weeks. Strength Training consists of a 5-minute warm-up on a stationary bike, followed by 1-3 sets on the leg press, leg extension, and leg curl machines. In addition, participants will preform upper body exercises on guided motion machines (seated chest press, shoulder press, seated rows) on alternate training days. Training intensity will gradually increase on each participants comfort level. Endurance training will be performed on a stationary bike. Exercise intensity will be controlled by heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) using the Borg's original scale (6-20 points). Weeks 1--3 will be at 50-60% of max heart rate for 30 minutes; weeks 4-6 will be at 50-60% of max heart rate for 40 minutes; weeks 7-9 will be 60-70% of max heart rate for 50 minutes; and weeks 10-12 will be at 60-70% of max heart rate for 60 minutes.