title: Metabolic effects of high altitude trekking in patients with type 2 diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Limited information is available regarding the metabolic effects of high altitude trekking in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen individuals with type 2 diabetes took part in a 12-day expedition to the summit of Mount Toubkal (altitude, 4,167 m), Morocco, after 6 months of exercise training. Energy expenditure, body weight, blood glucose, fasting insulin, lipids, and HbA(1c) were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Training reduced fasting glucose (-0.7 ± 0.9 mmol/L, P = 0.026) and increased exercise capacity (+0.3 ± 0.3 W/kg, P = 0.005). High altitude trekking decreased fasting insulin concentrations (-3.8 ± 3.2 μU/L, P = 0.04), total cholesterol (-0.7 ± 0.8 mmol/L, P = 0.008), and LDL cholesterol (-0.5 ± 0.6 mmol/L, P = 0.007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High altitude trekking preceded by exercise training is feasible for patients with type 2 diabetes. It improves blood glucose, lipids, and fasting insulin concentrations, while glucose control is maintained.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. p.demol@aig.umcn.nl
authors: Pieter
authors: P
authors: de Mol
authors: Marion J
authors: MJ
authors: Fokkert
authors: Suzanna T
authors: ST
authors: de Vries
authors: Eelco J P
authors: EJ
authors: de Koning
authors: Bert D
authors: BD
authors: Dikkeschei
authors: Rijnold O B
authors: RO
authors: Gans
authors: Cees J
authors: CJ
authors: Tack
authors: Henk J G
authors: HJ
authors: Bilo
mesh_terms: D000531:Altitude; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D001835:Body Weight; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005215:Fasting; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010806:Physical Education and Training
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002784:Cholesterol; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids