Effect of Circadian Rhythm and Physical Exercise in Overweight Type 1 Diabetes Patients

Cardiometabolic risk in patients with abdominal obesity and type 1 diabetes can be moderated by life style modifications. There is an intimate link between gene regulation and circadian rhythm in mediating response to exercise in a variety of insulin sensitive organs. The aim of this project is to evaluate, by intervention, the interplay of circadian rhythm and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on glucose control and skeletal muscle metabolism in patients with overweight with or without type 1 diabetes (T1D).

High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a promising intervention for lifestyle treatment in type 1 diabetes. In spite of the interplay between circadian rhythms and exercise, the time of day in which the most robust adaption to HIIT can be achieved is unknown. The main goal of the study is to compare the efficacy of morning and afternoon HIIT in regulating blood glucose values in participants with type 1 diabetes and overweigt and to compare the effect in overweight but otherwise healthy subjects. Additionally, the investigators aim to to elucidate the metabolomics in the different settings. Healthy controls will be used to compare whether the effect of HIIT and interplay with circadian rhythm on organ metabolism is impaired in patients with T1D. A randomized cross-over trial with 25 participants with type 1 diabetes and 25 control subjects will be performed. The participants will be examined on three occasions on an out-patient basis . Visit 1 aim to run baseline measurements and a bicycle test to define maximum exertion . On visit 2 the participants will perform a single bout of HIIT (6 1-minute pulses at maximal exertion, interspersed with 1-minute recovery) either in the morning (09.00) or afternoon (16.00). After a 1-week washout period, the participants will return for visit 3 and an opposing exercise time. Primarily, the efficacy of the morning and afternoon HIIT will be judged by the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) -based glycaemia measurements. Additionally, during the visits the investigators will collect repeated blood samples to assess the effect of exercise timing on the diurnal hormonal rhythms. Muscle biopsies will be collected before and directly after HIIT. The hypothesis is that afternoon HIIT will be more efficacious in controlling blood glucose based on the preliminary data gathered from a 'free living' pilot study in type 2 diabetes. The current study will aim to compare the morning and afternoon exercise in controlled conditions, eliminating the effects of dietary intake, medication and sleep cycle disruption. Additionally, the tissue factors responsible for the differing glycaemic response to morning and afternoon exercise will be elucidated.