Project R-13268

Preventing pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes with exercise training (Research)

Increased pulmonary arterial pressure is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes associated with early cardiac dysfunction. Exercise seems to be more beneficial than pharmacological treatment for reducing pulmonary arterial pressures in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, it is unknown whether exercise prevents negative changes in the pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this project is thus to determine the effects of 6 months of different volumes and intensities of exercise training on changes in the pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. We will recruit 100 men and women aged 35-70 in Hasselt (Jessa hospital- Belgium). The inclusion criteria are: type 2 diabetes with HbA1c of 6- 9% (under treatment) or 6.5-9% (without drug anti-diabetic treatment), and/or a two-hour blood sugar ≥11.1 mmol/L of ≥200 mg/L dL during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Patients will be randomized into four groups: 1) combination of low-volume + moderate-intensity exercise program, 2) high - volume + moderateintensity exercise program, 3) low-volume + high-intensity exercise program, or 4) standard care with written advice by the specialist without exercise therapy. We will measure glucose metabolism and lipid profile via blood draw, body composition via bioelectrical impedance, exercise capacity via cardiopulmonary exercise test, and cardiac function via exercise-echocardiography.

01 November 2022 - 31 October 2026