Normand Boulé - Exercise and intra-abdominal fat in type 2 diabetes

Normand Boulé is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta. He completed his PhD in Kinesiology from Laval University in 2005 and his M.A. in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa in 2000. His research interests are focused on the role of physical activity in the prevention and management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Summary of currently funded project

Excess body fat often leads to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, not all fat is the same. Research has shown that fat stored around the organs in the abdomen is most harmful. The objective of this ongoing study is to understand the effect of exercise intensity on changes in intra-abdominal fat and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Participants with type 2 diabetes are assigned to traditional exercise intensity or higher exercise intensity for 14 weeks. The traditional exercise intensity group exercise at an intensity comparable to walking, while the higher intensity exercise group alternates between exercise at higher intensities (1 minute) and lower intensity recovery periods (3 minutes). However, both exercise groups burn the same amount of Calories and exercise for the same amount of time. The identification of exercise interventions that target greater reductions in intra-abdominal fat will have important implications for the health of people living diabetes.