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

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying older adults aged over 65, including those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and controls, to understand how a 12-week progressive exercise program affects dietary protein efficiency. The study involves detailed pre- and post-testing to measure body composition, glucose tolerance, cardiovascular fitness, muscle performance, protein metabolism using stable isotope amino acid tests, and gut microbiota response. The goal is to see how exercise changes protein use and gut microbiome factors in people with and without diabetes. Participants will engage in moderate to vigorous aerobic and strength training two to three times weekly for 12 weeks. Strength training includes warm-ups on a stationary bike and exercises on leg and upper body machines, with intensity increasing based on individual comfort. Endurance training is performed on a stationary bike with heart rate and perceived exertion guiding progression over four 3-week phases, gradually increasing duration and effort. The study includes two groups: one with diagnosed T2D and one non-diabetic control group, both completing the same exercise and testing schedule. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires and undergo multiple assessments including submaximal aerobic tests, muscle strength and power tests, dietary protein metabolism trials involving blood, urine, and breath samples, and gut microbiome testing with blood draws and fecal sample collection. Psychological well-being is also evaluated during exercise sessions. Researchers will monitor changes from enrollment through the 12-week intervention to assess how exercise impacts protein efficiency and gut microbiota metabolites.

Exercise and Protein Efficiency in T2D