Impact of Exenatide on Cardiovascular Exercise Performance in Type 2 Diabetes

Previous research in our lab and others has established that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with significantly impaired functional exercise capacity, a factor which is potentially associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in those with type 2 diabetes. Of great concern, the majority of people with type 2 diabetes are sedentary and one possible reason may be that exercise, even at low levels, is perceived as being a harder effort than for nondiabetic people. Thus, treatments that may motivate patients with type 2 diabetes to be more physically active have great potential benefit. Recent observational studies suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 agents, such as exenatide, may have a beneficial effect on endothelial and cardiac function. Because these two factors have been shown to be associated with exercise dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, the investigators hypothesize that exenatide may improve exercise capacity in those with type 2 diabetes. The aims of this study are to (1) assess whether exenatide will improve functional exercise capacity in persons with type 2 diabetes and (2) investigate the effect of exenatide on specific metabolic, endothelial, cardiac and peripheral circulatory measures of function related to changes in exercise capacity. The Investigators primary hypothesis is that exenatide will improve functional exercise capacity in people with type 2 diabetes. Having a drug that improves exercise capacity could motivate patients to exercise more and hence be a significant benefit.