The blood vessel protecting cell response to exercise in people with and without type 1 diabetes
Physical activity encourages our bodies to release special repairing cells into the bloodstream. These cells help keep blood vessels healthy and protect against heart complications. People with type 1 diabetes often have lower levels of these cells when resting, but scientists do not yet know how their bodies respond during and after exercise. This study, run by Newcastle University at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, explores how a single 45-minute moderate walk changes the levels of these blood-vessel protecting cells. Researchers will compare adults aged 18 to 65 who have type 1 diabetes against healthy volunteers of similar age, sex, and fitness. Participants will complete fitness assessments, a walking session, and routine blood and urine tests. Taking part will not change your routine diabetes treatment, but it provides valuable personal fitness information and helps scientists discover how exercise can best protect long-term heart health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Our blood vessels need ongoing maintenance to stay flexible and healthy. The body manages this using special cells in the blood that act like a mobile repair team, fixing the inner lining of blood vessels when damage occurs. In healthy individuals, physical activity acts as a trigger to send more of these protective repair cells into circulation, supporting heart health and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Doctors know that people living with type 1 diabetes generally have fewer of these vessel-protecting cells circulating while resting. Over time, having fewer repair cells may contribute to blood vessel stiffness and circulation problems. However, it is not yet clear whether a workout can boost these cells in someone with type 1 diabetes in the same way it does in someone without the condition.
This study aims to find out by comparing adults with type 1 diabetes to healthy adults of the same age and fitness levels. By tracking how these repair cells respond to a 45-minute walk, researchers hope to learn how age, fitness, and blood sugar control influence the body's natural repair systems. Ultimately, this research could help doctors design better, tailored exercise advice to protect the hearts and blood vessels of people living with type 1 diabetes.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are testing how a 45-minute walk triggers blood-vessel repairing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
- Open to adults aged 18 to 65 with type 1 diabetes, as well as healthy comparison volunteers.
- The study takes place at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne.
- Participants receive useful personal feedback regarding their fitness and exercise responses.
- Taking part involves fitness tests, walking on a treadmill, and routine blood tests, with no new medications.
Who may be eligible?
The study is looking for men and women aged between 18 and 65 years. The researchers need two groups: people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and healthy volunteers without diabetes to act as a comparison.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you must be managing it with insulin, using either daily injections or an insulin pump. To take part safely, you should be free from major diabetes complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, or nerves.
You cannot join the study if you have any known heart or circulatory problems. All participants will have an initial heart trace (ECG) to confirm their heart is healthy. Healthy volunteers must also be free from any other long-term medical conditions.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- You are aged between 18 and 65 years old.
- You either have type 1 diabetes treated with insulin, OR you are completely healthy with no long-term illnesses.
- You do not have any known heart conditions or heart disease.
- If you have diabetes, you are currently free from major diabetes complications.
- You are able to travel to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for study appointments.
What does participation involve?
Taking part involves visits to the clinical research facility at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will complete a urine test and a meal tolerance test to see how your body manages food and insulin. All participants will take part in a fitness check, followed by a 45-minute walking session at a moderate, manageable pace on a treadmill. Small blood samples will be taken before the walk, immediately afterwards, and one hour later to measure your repair cells. You will not need to start any new medications, and the study does not require long-term follow-up visits.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyNewcastle upon Tyne, England
Common questions
Will I need to change my normal insulin doses?
You will receive clear instructions from the research medical team on how to manage your insulin and meals before the exercise tests to ensure your blood sugar remains in a safe range.
How hard is the exercise session?
The main exercise is a 45-minute walk at a moderate pace on a treadmill. It is designed to be steady and manageable, similar to a brisk everyday walk.
What happens if my blood sugar drops during testing?
The research team will check your blood sugar levels regularly. Fast-acting glucose will be on hand immediately if your levels begin to fall too low.
Do healthy volunteers need to do all the same tests?
Healthy volunteers will do the fitness check, the 45-minute walking session, and the blood tests, but they do not need to do the meal tolerance test.
Where does the study take place?
All visits take place at the Clinical Research Facility inside the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne.
How to find out more
Daniel West
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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