Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of Beetroot Juice on Cardiovascular and Autonomic Responses to Exercise in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

This study aims to discover if drinking beetroot juice can improve how the body, especially the heart and blood vessels, reacts to and recovers from exercise in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. People with Type 2 Diabetes often have higher blood pressure and issues with blood flow. Beetroot juice contains natural nitrates, which the body converts into a substance that helps blood vessels relax. The study will involve around 16 to 20 participants aged 40-65 with Type 2 Diabetes who don't use insulin. They will visit Oxford Brookes University twice, once receiving beetroot juice and another time a 'dummy' juice. Researchers will measure blood pressure, heart rate, and other factors before, during, and after light exercise to see if beetroot juice makes a difference. The goal is to see if this simple drink could help improve heart health in this group.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Oxford Brookes University

Enrolment target

Start

02 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Hypertension Autonomic Nervous System Diseases

What is this study about?

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, you might know it can affect your blood pressure and how well your blood vessels work. It can also impact how your heart and body respond to physical activity and how quickly you recover. These issues can increase the risk of heart problems over time.

Beetroot juice is currently being looked at as a way to potentially help with these issues. It's rich in a natural ingredient called nitrate. When you drink it, your body changes this nitrate into something called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is helpful because it makes your blood vessels relax and widen, which can improve blood flow and might even help lower blood pressure. While we know beetroot juice can have these effects in healthy people, researchers want to understand if it does the same for people living with Type 2 Diabetes.

This study will involve around 16 to 20 adults, aged between 40 and 65, who have Type 2 Diabetes but don't use insulin. They will visit Oxford Brookes University on two separate occasions. During one visit, they will drink beetroot juice, and during the other, they will have a special 'dummy' beetroot juice that doesn't contain the active nitrate. The researchers will then carefully measure things like their blood pressure and heart rate before, during, and after a short, easy cycling exercise. This will help them see if the beetroot juice helps the body recover better or differently.

Key takeaways

The study explores beetroot juice's effect on heart health in Type 2 Diabetes.
It focuses on how your body recovers after light exercise.
You'll visit Oxford Brookes University twice and do some cycling.
Beetroot juice contains natural compounds that may help blood vessels.
Participation helps researchers understand Type 2 Diabetes better.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 40 and 65 years old who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. It's important that you are not currently taking insulin for your diabetes and that your diabetes medications have been stable for at least three months. You should also be able to safely do some light-to-moderate cycling exercise.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you use insulin, specific heart medications (like certain nitrates or erectile dysfunction drugs), or if you've recently taken strong antibiotics. If you have any serious or uncontrolled heart conditions, kidney disease, or other health issues that would make exercise unsafe, you also wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an allergy to beetroot or lemon, you cannot participate. The researchers also need to make sure you can follow all the study instructions and preparation steps.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am between 40 and 65 years old.
I have Type 2 Diabetes but don't use insulin.
My diabetes medications have been stable for at least 3 months.
I can safely do light cycling exercise.
I don't have severe heart or kidney conditions.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you'll first go through an online screening to check if you're suitable. If you are, you'll then visit Oxford Brookes University twice. During these visits, which will be separated by some time, you'll drink either the beetroot juice or a 'dummy' juice. You won't know which one you're getting, and neither will the researchers – this helps to keep the results fair. You'll have measurements taken like blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar. Then, you'll do a short session of light to moderate cycling. The researchers will continue to take measurements during your recovery period to see how quickly your body returns to normal. The total time for each visit and the overall duration of your involvement will be explained in detail.

Potential risks and benefits

This study aims to discover if beetroot juice could be a simple way to support heart health and recovery after exercise for people with Type 2 Diabetes. While there's no guarantee of direct health benefits for you personally, your participation will help doctors better understand Type 2 Diabetes. Risks are generally low, as the exercise is light, and beetroot juice is a common food. Most people tolerate beetroot juice well, but potential minor side effects could include an altered urine or stool colour, or rarely, mild stomach upset. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Clinical Physiology Laboratory, Oxford Brookes University
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom

Common questions

Why are you studying beetroot juice?

Beetroot juice contains natural nitrates that can help relax blood vessels, and we want to see if this helps people with Type 2 Diabetes with their heart health during and after exercise.

What is a 'dummy' juice?

It's a special beetroot juice that looks and tastes like the real thing but has had the active nitrates removed. This helps us fairly compare its effects with the real beetroot juice.

Will I know if I'm getting the real beetroot juice?

No, neither you nor the research staff will know which juice you're given on each visit. This helps ensure the study results are as unbiased as possible.

What kind of exercise will I do?

You'll do a short session of light-to-moderate cycling on an exercise bike, supervised by the research team.

How long will each visit take?

The exact duration of each visit will be explained to you, but they involve measurements before, during, and after exercise.

How to find out more

Bruno M Candeloro, MSc

diabeet.study@brookes.ac.uk +447523113252 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.