Logo image
Back
Effects of ketone esters on hemodynamic responses to exercise in type 2 diabetes
Journal article - Includes Student Work   Open access   Peer reviewed

Effects of ketone esters on hemodynamic responses to exercise in type 2 diabetes

B. Perry, M. Bruneau, S. Vitti, E. O’Neill, E. Miele and S.A.E. Headley
Science & sports, v 41(7), pp 543-551
Jul 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2026.02.005
Featured in Collection :   Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2026.02.005View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open Access via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2026 Open CC BY-NC-ND V4.0

Abstract

Aerobic Exercise Corps cétoniques Diabetes Mellitus Diabète sucré de type 2 Exercice aérobique Hémodynamique Ketone Bodies Métabolisme Type 2 Hemodynamics Metabolism
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a global public health concern. Ketogenic diets and ketone ester supplements are emerging strategies for Type 2 diabetes mellitus management, yet their effects on post-exercise hemodynamics remain unclear. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate whether acute ketone ester supplements ingestion alters post-exercise hemodynamic responses in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic controls. In a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, eighteen participants (n=9 type 2 diabetes mellitus; n=9 non-diabetic controls) ingested ketone ester supplements (ketone esters+carbohydrate) or a carbohydrate-only placebo prior to performing continuous-intensity treadmill exercise to exhaustion in a random, counter-balanced order. Central systolic blood pressure and central diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and augmentation index were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 15 and 45mins post-exercise. Blood glucose and blood ketones were assessed at similar timepoints, with an additional measure at 30mins post-exercise. Ketone ester supplements significantly reduced central systolic blood pressure and central diastolic blood pressure in both groups (P<0.05). Post-exercise decreases in central systolic blood pressure and central diastolic blood pressure were greater following ketone ester supplements compared to carbohydrate-only placebo in both Type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic controls (P<0.05). Pulse wave velocity was consistently higher in Type 2 diabetes mellitus than non-diabetic controls (P<0.05) and increased immediately post-exercise before decreasing below baseline at 45mins in both groups, with no treatment differences (P>0.05). Augmentation index decreased post-exercise with no differences between ketone ester supplements and carbohydrate-only placebo. Blood glucose remained higher in Type 2 diabetes mellitus at all timepoints (P<0.05), and ketone ester supplementation did not significantly affect blood glucose or blood ketones concentrations. Acute ketone ester supplement ingestion enhanced post-exercise reductions in central systolic blood pressure and central diastolic blood pressure but did not affect pulse wave velocity, AIx, blood glucose or blood ketones in individuals with and without Type 2 diabetes mellitus, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits independent of glycemic modulation.

Metrics

3 Record Views

Details

Logo image