Cold Exposure for Type 2 Diabetes
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread health condition characterized by impaired ability of the body to maintain glucose homeostasis. This impairment often leads to secondary complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor quality of life. While exercise and healthy eating are effective strategies in managing and preventing T2DM, data shows that long-term adherence to these methods are poor - especially among elderly, individuals with obesity and/or with physical limitations.
This clinical study explores cold exposure with shivering as a novel strategy to improve blood sugar control and heart health. In earlier research, spending time in mildly cold environments (around 15-17°C) for a few hours a day improved insulin sensitivity of T2DM patients. Interestingly, these benefits only occurred when the cold caused mild shivering. In a recent 10-day cold acclimation study with overt shivering for minimally 1 hour/day, we observed improved glucose tolerance in participants with overweight/obesity, as well as improved fasting lipid profiles. These results indicate that when accompanied with sufficient level of muscle activation, repeated exposure to cold can beneficially affect both glucose and lipid levels - both of which are impaired in people with T2DM.
In this study, we hypothesise that a 10-day cold acclimation with shivering will improve the (peripheral) insulin sensitivity of patients with T2DM, accompanied by enhanced skeletal muscle FA uptake and oxidation as assessed via the 11C palmitate uptake.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Denis P. Blondin, PhD
Principal Investigator
Université de Sherbrooke
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants receive physical activity, ambulatory blood pressure, and continuous glucose monitors; baseline hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp measurement is conducted
Cold Acclimation
Participants undergo 10 consecutive daily shivering sessions with various metabolic assessments
Post-intervention Assessment
Post-intervention hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp measurement and collection of activity and ABP monitors
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cold exposure with shivering
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
This is a single-arm longitudinal study with a 10-day cold acclimation intervention period. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will be obtained before and after the 10-day period.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Université de Sherbrooke
Lead Sponsor
Maastricht University Medical Center
Collaborator
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