Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Health
Research Study

Researchers at the University of Virginia are conducting a research study on adults with type 2 diabetes to learn more about how in-person exercise with a personal trainer affects blood vessels and cardiac muscles in this population.

Fast Facts

Ages 30-55

Diagnosed with
Type 2 Diabetes and not using insulin

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Charlottesville, VA

Research Background

Researchers in the UVA Division of Endocrinology are conducting a study to understand how exercise training affects the cardiovascular health of people with type 2 diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 1 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes each year. Over time, high blood sugar from insulin resistance can cause other health conditions like heart problems. Our team is seeking adults with type 2 diabetes, not treated with insulin, to participate in exercise training with a personal trainer 3 times a week at our campus to help us understand if (and how) starting regular exercise can affect blood vessels and heart muscle in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Eventually, this study will help health providers understand how to improve heart health in people with type 2 diabetes.

Research Background

Researchers in the UVA Division of Endocrinology are conducting a study to understand how exercise training affects the cardiovascular health of people with type 2 diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 1 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes each year. Over time, high blood sugar from insulin resistance can cause other health conditions like heart problems. Our team is seeking adults with type 2 diabetes, not treated with insulin, to participate in exercise training with a personal trainer 3 times a week at our campus to help us understand if (and how) starting regular exercise can affect blood vessels and heart muscle in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Eventually, this study will help health providers understand how to improve heart health in people with type 2 diabetes.

Additional Information

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of exercise training on heart health in type 2 diabetes patients.

You may qualify if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 30-55 years
  • Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
  • Don’t take insulin (T2D is controlled by diet)
  • Don’t exercise regularly
  • Have been weight-stable for 3 months prior to the start of the study
  • Not enrolled in another study
  • Don’t use tobacco and haven’t within the last year
  • No documented cardiovascular disease

Participants will engage in a 15-week exercise program with a personal trainer 3 days/week. There are also 7 total study visits apart from the exercise:

  • Screening visit~ 1 hour
  • Exercise lab visit (including max ex test and DEXA scan) ~2.5 hours
  • Cardiac echo ~1.5 hours
  • Outpatient admit (~7 hours, this includes IVs, blood draws, etc.)
  • Subjects will start 15 weeks of supervised exercise 3 times per week)
  • Repeat Exercise lab visit ~2.5 hours 
  • Repeat outpatient admit ~7 hours
  • Repeat cardiac echo ~1.5 hours

Compensation is provided for your time.

There is no cost for you to participate in the study.