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

Primary objective: To assess the effects of a modified plant-based Mediterranean diet (vegeterranean diet), circuit resistance training (CRT) and empagliflozin alone or in combination on body composition and physical function in elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes. The rationale for this study is to assess three interventions associated with a negative energy/caloric balance (increased caloric use in exercise, caloric restriction in the vegeterranean diet and caloric wasting by glycosuria with empagliflozin), their interaction and effect on body composition and physical function.

Methods and analysis: One hundred and twenty men and women ≥ 65 years of age with type 2 diabetes, and low levels of physical activity will be randomized (1:1:1 manner, gender-stratified) for 10 weeks to one of 3 parallel arms: CRT consisting of 3 home sessions/week; ad-libitum plant-based Mediterranean diet (limited consumption of eggs, dairy and fish, avoidance of red meat and poultry) or empagliflozin 10mg/day. After 10 weeks CRT will be added to the empagliflozin or diet arms for an additional 10 weeks. Allocation concealment and blinding of primary outcome assessors will be implemented. Efficacy will be determined by assessment of lean body mass, body weight, frailty status, sarcopenia, HbA1c and quality of life questionnaires. Safety will be evaluated by routine monitoring of adverse events. This study was approved by the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Institutional Review Board