ABQ Times

Researchers at the University of New Mexico are examining the impact of a structured exercise program on Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Roberto Mota Alvidrez, an assistant professor in the UNM College of Pharmacy, is leading this study to determine if such a program can improve blood sugar control and reduce cardiovascular disease risks.

The study involves sedentary Hispanic patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes participating in supervised workouts twice weekly for six months at UNM’s Johnson Center. "It’s a big commitment, but they're incredibly happy and they actually don't want to leave the study when it’s concluded," said Mota Alvidrez.

This research uniquely focuses on Hispanic patients who generally face a higher burden of diabetes. Most participants come from Albuquerque, with a parallel study occurring in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Co-investigators include Flavio de Castro Magalhães from the UNM College of Education and Human Sciences and Gretchen Ray from Pharmacy Practice & Administrative Sciences.

The exercise regimens are tailored to accommodate varying ages among participants, ranging from 30 to 78 years old. The randomized study collects physiological data to compare glucose control between active participants and those maintaining their usual lifestyle.

Key endpoints include glucose control and inflammation markers potentially linked to hemoglobin A1C levels. Researchers also assess body composition changes due to resistance training, which may prevent muscle mass loss associated with GLP-1 medications.

While retention has been strong, Mota Alvidrez aims to recruit more male participants due to their higher risk of complications. He notes that recruitment efforts have been challenging as many Hispanic men work long hours in demanding jobs.

"Our next step is actually bringing in or being able to retain and convince males that are 30 to 50 years of age to participate," he stated, emphasizing their underrepresentation in clinical trials.