Abstract

Background: Vascular endothelial function is compromised in people withdiabetes reducing tissue blood flow. The present investigation was a logical extension of a previouswork, examining isometric exercise performance and recovery in people with diabetes and the impact ofthe insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone, a drug shown to improve endothelial function. Material/Methods:Blood pressure, heart rate and limb blood flow were examined in 12 control subjects and 8 subjects withtype 2 diabetes during a series of 2 fatiguing isometric contractions at a tension of 40% of the maximumstrength of the handgrip muscles; 5 minutes of rest were allowed between the contractions. Results: Enduranceof the first and the second contraction was significantly less in subjects with diabetes (p

Keywords: Cardiovascular System - drug effects, Blood Pressure - drug effects, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Exercise, Forearm - blood supply, Heart Rate - drug effects, Hypoglycemic Agents - pharmacology, Isometric Contraction - physiology, Physical Endurance - physiology, Regional Blood Flow - drug effects, Thiazolidinediones - pharmacology, Vasodilator Agents - pharmacology