EXercise Capacity and TRAinability in Type 2 Diabetes (EXTRA-T2D)

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a condition characterized by acelerated aging and is associated to multiple comorbidities, and physical fragility and disabilitiy, all of which reduce life expectancy and quality of life. Physical exercise has been demonstrated to have metabolic and cardiovascular benefits in T2D. Also, lack of exercise and sedentary behavior are major predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and all-cause mortality. Some evidence suggests that individuals with T2D have a reduced exercise capacity and exercise tollerance compared to non-diabetic individuals.The reasons behind such difference are not thoroughly explored, but may be connected to acute and chronic effects of hyperglycemia. Reduced trainability might be a marker of early aging and physical disalbility. This study aims to define respiratory, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, inflammatory, hormonal and metabolic determinants of trainability in persons with T2D. Results will help to answer the question whether it is the low trainability that reduces exercise capacity or it is the low exercise participation that determines a low exercise capacity.