Ischemic Preconditioning and Type 2 Diabetes

Occlusion (cuff inflation to a pressure that reduces blood flow) using a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm for 5 mins followed by recovery (cuff deflation so blood flows normally gain), is known as ischemic preconditioning (IPC). An intervention consisting of 4 cycles of 5 min arm occlusion followed by 5 min periods of recovery on a daily basis can improve blood vessel function. This is a simple and easily applicable intervention that immediately improves the blood vessels capacity to deliver blood to an organ (e.g. heart or the muscle). However, it is currently unknown if a daily IPC can improve blood vessel function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and if it will aid in improving blood glucose control. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate if daily IPC for 7 days can improve blood vessel function and blood glucose control in T2DM. This randomised control trial consists of 3 visits to Liverpool John Moores University; before intervention, immediately following intervention, and 8 days following the end of the intervention. Participants will be trained to apply the IPC device and then perform it at home daily for 7 days.