Afternoon vs Morning Exercise for Prediabetes
(TIMED Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Exercise is well-known to improve skeletal muscle energy metabolism and is an established intervention to improve muscle insulin sensitivity and to counter the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, given the 24h rhythmicity in substrate metabolism previously observed in healthy, lean men and the lack of such rhythmicity in men with insulin-resistance, the investigator hypothesize that appropriate timing of exercise training can maximize the metabolic health effects of exercise. Indeed, a preliminary study in humans revealed that afternoon high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise was more effective than morning exercise in improving 24h blood glucose levels in men with T2D. Another recent study in mice showed that the time of day is a critical factor in augmenting the beneficial effects of exercise on the skeletal muscle metabolome as well as on whole-body energy homeostasis. However, human studies that specifically target the impact of timing of exercise training on glucose homeostasis and metabolic health are scarce and the potential underlying mechanisms largely unknown.The overarching goals of this project is to improve 24-hour rhythmicity of metabolism in men and women with prediabtes by appropriate timing of exercise and to assess its effect on metabolic health and immune response. Acute and prolonged exercise interventions timed in the morning vs late afternoon will be carried out in individuals with prediabetes to determine whether acute exercise in the afternoon and prolonged exercise training in the afternoon can improve peripheral insulin sensitivity, compared to exercise in the morning, and positively affect adipose tissue dietary fatty acid storage and partitioning of dietary fatty acids in skeletal muscles.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications. Statins must be stopped 3 weeks before the study, and metformin or anti-hypertensive drugs must be stopped 7 days before the study.
Is high-intensity interval training (HIIT) safe for humans?
Research on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for people with prediabetes shows it is generally safe and effective for improving blood sugar control and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. HIIT is a time-efficient exercise option that can improve heart and metabolic health, making it a safe choice for those with limited time to exercise.12345
How does high-intensity interval training (HIIT) differ from other treatments for prediabetes?
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is unique because it offers a time-efficient way to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially when performed in the afternoon. Unlike traditional moderate-intensity exercise, HIIT requires less time commitment while providing superior benefits for insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.12467
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for prediabetes?
Research shows that HIIT is effective in improving blood sugar control and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes. It is a time-efficient exercise method that significantly lowers A1C (a measure of average blood sugar levels) and fasting blood glucose, with high-volume HIIT being more effective than low-volume HIIT.13489
Who Is on the Research Team?
Denis P. Blondin, PhD
Principal Investigator
Université de Sherbrooke
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for men and women with prediabetes, defined by specific blood sugar levels or insulin resistance. Participants must have a BMI over 25, be able to follow the study protocol, and provide informed consent. Exclusions include recent scans, smoking, heavy drinking, certain medical conditions like uncontrolled thyroid disorders or heart disease, and use of medications affecting metabolism.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Metabolic Study
Participants complete Visit A (baseline) followed by a glycogen lowering exercise bout
Acute Exercise and Metabolic Study
Participants undergo an acute exercise bout and return for Visit B 18-24 hours later
12-week Exercise Training
Participants engage in a 12-week supervised high-intensity interval training program
Final Metabolic Study
Participants return for Visit C at least 48 hours after the last exercise bout
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- High-intensity interval training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Université de Sherbrooke
Lead Sponsor
Laval University
Collaborator
Wageningen University
Collaborator
McMaster University
Collaborator
Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)
Collaborator
Maastricht University Medical Center
Collaborator
University of Calgary
Collaborator
University of Waterloo
Collaborator
Leiden University Medical Center
Collaborator