The effect of hypoxia on type 2 diabetes and weight loss
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effects of repeated moderate overnight normobaric hypoxia on glucose homeostasis, appetite, body weight, inflammation and oxidative stress in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
IRAS ID
304106
Contact name
Anthony Shepherd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Portsmouth
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The number of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continuing to rise, this pandemic is expected to reach 700 million people by 2045. T2DM is a metabolic condition characterized by progressive insulin resistance and high blood glucose concentrations. High blood glucose concentrations increases the risk of both micro- and macrovascular damage, whilst interventions that reduce blood glucose mitigate this risk. Weight loss, achieved through exercise and dietary modification, is effective at reducing hyperglycaemia. However, despite the clear benefits of exercise and weight loss, diverse psychological, sociological and logistical factors can make it difficult for some individuals with T2DM to initiate, or adhere to, these lifestyle interventions. Alternative approaches to treatment are therefore required.
The purpose of this research project is to investigate whether 10-days of overnight exposure to moderate hypoxia is effective at improving blood glucose control in individuals with T2DM and to provide insight into the physiological mechanisms responsible for any beneficial effects.
We will ask 15 people with type 2 diabetes to participate in this study. Participation will involve sleeping in hypoxic tents for 2 separate 10 day periods. Participants will be asked to provide, blood, fecal and urine samples, have oral glucose tolerance tests, body composition scans (involves mild radiation), wear smart monitors and provide diaries of their food.
The hypoxia level will be set to 15% oxygen. Similar altitude to Bogata, Colombia (8,660 ft or 2640m above sea level). People do however, live at lower levels of oxygen.
All testing will occur in our clinical exercise physiology laboratory at the University of Portsmouth. Biochemistry will occur at multiple sites across the UK with our collaborators.
This study has been funded by the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Award for Sports Research. Over 450 separate applications were made and 12 were selected. We won 12% of all the funds.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0351
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion