Mediterranean Diet, Circuit Resistance Training, Empagliflozin in Elderly With Type 2 Diabetes: a Study Protocol

"Subjects will be allocated to CRT which consists of 10 resistance exercises for different body parts (=1 circuit) repeated 12-15 times, using modest weights (approximately 40-60% of one repetition maximum, RM). Each exercise is expected to be completed within 30-40 sec. The participant will move quickly (within 15-30 seconds) from one exercise to the next. The circuit will be repeated up to three times depending on the week of intervention. Thus, it will take about 30 min to complete an exercise session. For a summary of articles on CRT in older adults based on a meta-analysis, we performed please see:~Circuit resistance training is an effective means to enhance muscle strength in older and middle-aged adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2017 Aug;37:16-27"

The modified V-Med diet will be considered as ad-libitum (using fat sources) aimed for a minimum of 1 gr/kg/day of protein, limiting carbohydrates: 3 servings for men and 2 servings for women per main meal and 1 serving per intermediate meal for both genders. Subjects will be asked to avoid red meat and poultry completely and the consumption of dairy and eggs products will be limited to 2 servings per day. 2-3 servings of fish should be consumed during the week. The rest of protein consumption will be recommended from legumes sources. The target legume consumption will be 1.5 cup per day (2 servings per day) of cooked beans, chickpeas, lentils and/or using pulses-based flour or pulses-based bread. Consumption of whole grain carbohydrate foods will be recommended.

Subjects allocated to empagliflozin will be asked to add empagliflozin 10mg, preferably in the morning, to their medication regimen. Subjects will be monitored for adverse events including hypoglycemic events during all study visits.