Gliclazide Enhances Exercise Performance and Recovery of Muscle Strength in Healthy Trained Individuals: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Sports Science

Background:

• The impact of glucose-lowering medications on exercise performance is not fully understood.
• Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute effects of gliclazide modified release (MR) on exercise performance and muscle recovery in healthy, strength-trained men.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of pre-exercise gliclazide administration.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 44 strength-trained men.
• Participants received gliclazide MR (90 mg) or placebo 8 hours before three consecutive strength exercise sessions (bench press, squat).
• Evaluated outcomes included total volume-load (VL), range of motion (ROM), muscle damage markers (CK-MM, LDH), inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α), and subjective recovery scores.

Main Results:

• Gliclazide significantly enhanced exercise performance, increasing total VL by 23.3% for bench press and 23.2% for squat (p < 0.001).
• Muscle recovery was improved 24-48 hours post-exercise, with significant reductions in ROM deficits, CK-MM, LDH, TNF-α, IL-6, and muscle soreness.
• Hypoglycemia events were observed in 7% of participants in the gliclazide group.

Conclusions:

• Gliclazide MR (90 mg) administered 8 hours prior to strength exercise demonstrates ergogenic effects, improving both performance and muscle recovery in healthy men.
• The potential risk of hypoglycemia should be considered when evaluating the use of gliclazide in physically active individuals.