Modified-release gliclazide acutely improves recovery but causes undesirable blood glucose decrease after a...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Sulfonylureas are anecdotally used to enhance strength sports performance.
• The ergogenic effects of sulfonylureas, like gliclazide, remain unproven in resistance training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute ergogenic effect of gliclazide on resistance training performance.
• To assess the impact of gliclazide on muscle recovery markers post-exercise.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized, crossover pilot study involving 10 healthy resistance-trained adults.
• Participants received either gliclazide or placebo 8 hours before two separate exercise sessions.
• Muscle damage markers (CK-MM, LDH) and blood glucose levels were monitored pre- and post-exercise and up to 48 hours.

Main Results:

• Gliclazide did not significantly enhance volume load for bench press or leg press exercises.
• A significant reduction in creatine kinase-MM and lactate dehydrogenase activity was observed 48 hours post-exercise with gliclazide.
• Gliclazide led to a decrease in blood glucose levels compared to placebo.

Conclusions:

• Gliclazide does not improve acute resistance training performance.
• Gliclazide appears to promote faster muscle recovery, indicated by reduced muscle damage markers.
• The observed decrease in post-exercise blood glucose with gliclazide is an adverse effect with potential long-term metabolic implications.