The EXTOD Mechanisms study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the effect of exercise on immune function and beta cell health in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
IRAS ID
189283
Contact name
Parth Narendran
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
T1D is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that it is caused by our immune system destroying native tissue, in this case, beta cells. Consequently, there is no insulin production. It has formerly been shown that exercise improves T2D, research is now focusing on the effect of exercising on T1D. Exercise has marked improvements in fitness, insulin requirements, mortality, reduction in fat, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease in T1D. However, the benefits of exercise in T1D is yet to be determined regarding beta cell function. This project will focus on these mechanisms of increased beta cell function and growth, reduced inflammation and autoimmunity. Preserving beta cell function will alleviate hyperglycaemia and its associated complications, improving T1D management. We hypothesise that, during exercise, a variety of substances and hormones are produced by the liver, muscles, and fat, which protect beta cells.
We initially aim to recruit 20 people without T1D and 20 people with T1D.
The study is divided into 3 phases:
• Screening: identification of interested individuals who fulfil the inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Enrolment and baseline visit: collection of informed consent and baseline information. All subjects will undergo a submaximal VO2max test in the exercise rooms of the NIHR/WT CRF to test their fitness. These values will be used to guide the intensity of intervention visits.
• Exercise study visits: Two exercise intervention visits (randomized). The visits will last 3-6 hrs, consisting of 30 mins of either light exercise, or intensive exercise. Blood will be taken before exercise, immediately after, 60 minutes (and 240 minutes post exercise for non diabetic healthy participants - this prolonged test will not be done for diabetic patients). These samples will be used to test for substances released during exercise and in a 240 minute period after. Identified substances will indicate how exercise can influence beta-cell health and improve T1D.REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0051
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion