Beetroot juice and the heart's response to exercise in type 2 diabetes
Tests beetroot juice against a placebo before light exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Effect of Beetroot Juice on Cardiovascular and Autonomic Responses to Exercise in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Key facts
- Where
- Oxford, United KingdomSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 40 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07560800, who can take part
Where in United Kingdom
- Clinical Physiology Laboratory, Oxford Brookes UniversityOxford, United KingdomNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Oxford Brookes University
- Trial code
- NCT07560800
- Record updated
- 1 May 2026
- Original description
This study will investigate whether a single dose of beetroot juice can improve cardiovascular responses and recovery after exercise in adults with Type 2 Diabetes.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effect of Beetroot Juice on Cardiovascular and Autonomic Responses During and After Exercise in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
This study will investigate whether a single dose of beetroot juice can improve cardiovascular responses and recovery after exercise in adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes is associated with higher blood pressure, impaired blood vessel function, and reduced autonomic control of the heart, all of which increase cardiovascular risk and may affect how the body responds to and recovers from physical activity. Beetroot juice is naturally rich in dietary nitrate, which is converted in the body into nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels relax and improve blood flow. While these effects have been demonstrated in healthy individuals, less is known about their impact in people with Type 2 Diabetes.
In this study, approximately 16 to 20 adults aged 40 to 65 years with Type 2 Diabetes will take part. After an online screening and consent process, eligible participants will attend two laboratory visits at Oxford Brookes University. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, participants will receive beetroot juice during one visit and a nitrate-depleted placebo during the other visit.
During each visit, participants will undergo physiological measurements, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and capillary blood glucose. Participants will then complete a short session of supervised, light-to-moderate cycling exercise. Measurements will continue during the recovery period to assess how quickly the cardiovascular system returns to resting levels.
The main outcomes are systolic blood pressure and heart rate variability during recovery, which reflect cardiovascular regulation and autonomic function. Secondary outcomes include diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose, and markers related to nitric oxide availability.
This study may help determine whether a simple, dietary-based intervention such as beetroot juice can support cardiovascular function and improve recovery after exercise in people living with Type 2 Diabetes.
Inclusion: Clinically diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Aged 40 to 65 years; Not treated with insulin; Stable diabetes medication regimen for at least 3 months; Able to understand the study information and provide informed consent; Able to safely perform light-to-moderate cycling exercise.
Exclusion: Use of organic nitrates (e.g., glyceryl trinitrate) or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil); Unstable or clinically significant cardiovascular disease; Uncontrolled hypertension or any condition that makes exercise unsafe; Chronic kidney disease, history of kidney stones, or other relevant renal conditions; Neurological, musculoskeletal or systemic disorders that impair safe participation; Known or suspected allergy or intolerance to beetroot, lemon or any component of the study products; Current or recent use of insulin; Use of systemic antibiotics within the specified preparation period or regular use of antiseptic/antibacterial mouthwash during study participation; Use of supplements known to interfere with nitric oxide metabolism within the defined preparation period; Pregnancy or breastfeeding; Inability to comply with study preparation requirements.