Glucose MetabolismGLEENCT07543705
Glucose-Level During Endurance Exercise
An observational study of Glucose Metabolism, run by University of Ulm at 1 site in Germany.
Trial summary
As part of the mandatory annual assessment of physical fitness, soldiers are required to complete a standardized military march. A total of 100 healthy volunteer participants will be recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Glucose Metabolism
- What is being tested?
- Standardized military march
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGermany
- Study dates
- 5 May 2026to Jun 2028
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: healthy volunteer participants recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm
Who may be able to join
- BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m^2
Who cannot join
- Pregnancy or lactation
- cardiovascular disease
- vegan diet
- drug or alcohol abuse
- Drug therapy that raises or lowers blood sugar, e.g. steroids, antidiabetics, insulin or influences the autonomic nervous system
- No consent to be informed about incidentally discovered pathological findings
- Any other (clinical) condition that would endanger participants safety or question scientific success according to the physicians opinion.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Germany1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm
Ulm, 89081
Birgit Richter, MD, +49 731/1710-0, birgit1richter@bundeswehr.org
Sabrina Wangler, +4973150044505, sabrina.wangler@uniklinik-ulm.de
About this study
Official title: Glucose-Level During Endurance Exercise (GLEE Study): Influencing Factors and Mechanisms
As part of the mandatory annual assessment of physical fitness, soldiers are required to complete a standardized military march. A total of 100 healthy volunteer participants will be recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm. During this march, physiological and metabolic parameters will be assessed.
At baseline, anthropometric data and information on medical history, lifestyle, and fitness status will be collected, including a validated questionnaire on physical activity. Blood and urine samples will be obtained to determine routine laboratory and metabolic parameters, and body composition will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. In addition, selected sensors will be applied to continuously record physiological data.
Participants will then complete a 6 km march carrying 15 kg of equipment. After completion of the march, sensors will be removed and additional blood and urine samples will be collected to evaluate metabolic responses to physical exertion, including catecholamine levels.
Read the detailed description
In this study, physiological data from healthy volunteers will be investigated. A total of 100 healthy volunteer participants will be recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm. As part of the mandatory annual assessment of physical fitness required by their employer, these individuals must complete a standardized military march. During this march, metabolic parameters will be assessed.
At the beginning of the study, anthropometric data as well as general information regarding medical history, lifestyle, and fitness status will be collected using a baseline questionnaire developed by the Section of Endocrinology and Diabetology. In addition, a validated questionnaire on physical activity (BSA questionnaire) will be administered. The information obtained will support the interpretation of physiological parameters, as individual fitness levels may influence heart rate and glucose dynamics.
Blood samples (maximum 60 mL) and urine samples will be collected to determine routine laboratory parameters as well as metabolic markers. Participants will undergo bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess body composition. To collect physiological data, selected sensors and devices will be attached to the participants (continuous glucose monitoring, electrocardiography).
After the sensors have been applied and calibrated, participants will complete a 6 km march carrying 15 kg of equipment. The march will be conducted in uniform in accordance with central military regulations, with standardized marching equipment and a fixed route consisting of two laps around the grounds of the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm.
At the end of the march, the sensors will be removed by the study physicians. Subsequently, an additional blood sample (maximum 60 mL) will be collected to assess metabolic parameters following physical exertion, and a urine sample will be obtained for the analysis of catecholamines.
Restricting participation to soldiers provides optimal conditions for investigating glucose dynamics and their influencing factors during endurance exercise in healthy individuals. Soldiers undergo regular comprehensive health check-ups every three years, including medical questionnaires, physical examinations, laboratory diagnostics, and additional specialist evaluations when indicated. Conditions such as prediabetes or arterial hypertension are therefore detected and treated at an early stage, resulting in a medically well-screened cohort of healthy individuals.
Scientific data on glucose dynamics during physical exercise are already available for individuals with diabetes and for professional athletes. However, data in healthy individuals remain limited. The pre-screened cohort of soldiers is therefore particularly suitable for addressing this research question. Compared with other potential study populations, such as participants recruited from university recreational sports programs, this cohort offers several advantages, including a broader range of fitness levels, a wider age distribution (up to 65 years), and substantial experience with the specific exercise task. The annually performed 6 km march with load is conducted under standardized conditions and is familiar to the participants, thereby minimizing stress-related metabolic effects. Standardized clothing and equipment further reduce potential external confounding factors.
- Conditions
- Glucose Metabolism
- Being tested
- Standardized military march
- Keywords
- glucose levels, endurance exercise, continuous glucose monitoring
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Standardized military marchOther
6 km march carrying 15 kg of equipment. The march will be conducted in uniform in accordance with central military regulations. Participants will be equipped with a continuous glucose monitor an electrocardiography wearable during the march.
Before and after the march blood and urine samples will be obtained.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Soldiers | healthy volunteer participants recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm Receives: Other: Standardized military march |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Glucose dynamics during exercise
Interstitial glucose responses during the standardized endurance exercise (6 kilometer march with 15 kilogram load) measured via continuous glucose monitoring.
Measured: 1 hour
Sympathetic nervous system activation (catecholamines)
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system during a standardized endurance exercise measured via changes in catecholamine levels.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between sympathetic activation (catecholamines) and glucose dynamics during endurance exercise
Correlation between sympathetic nervous system activation measured via catecholamine levels and glucose responses during a standardized endurance exercise (6 kilometer march with 15 kilogram load).
Measured: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Heart rate variability
Heat rate variability during a standardized endurance exercise measured via electrocardiography.
Measured: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between heart rate variability and glucose dynamics during endurance exercise
Correlation between heart rate variability and glucose responses during a standardized endurance exercise (6 kilometer march with 15 kilogram load).
Measured: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Secondary outcomes (10)
Training status
Individual fitness level assessed via the Movement and Sport Activity questionnaire (sport and physical activity based on reported frequency and duration of activities and provides estimates of activity in minutes per week or MET-hours per week)
Measured: Baseline
Correlation between training status and glucose dynamics during endurance exercise
Correlation between training status and glucose responses during the standardized endurance exercise.
Measured: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Body composition
Muscle mass in kilogram assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Measured: Baseline.
Correlation between body composition and glucose dynamics during exercise.
Correlation between muscle mass and glucose responses during the standardized endurance exercise.
Measured: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Biomarkers of inflammatory response
Inflammatory markers measured in blood samples.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between inflammatory markers with glucose dynamics during exercise.
Correlation between inflammatory markers and glucose responses to endurance exercise.
Measured: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Cortisol levels
Cortisol levels measured from blood samples.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between cortisol levels and glucose dynamics during exercise.
Correlation between changes in cortisol levels and glucose responses during the standardized endurance exercise
Measured: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Biomarkers of lipolysis
Biomarkers of lipolysis measured from blood samples.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between lipolysis and glucose dynamics during endurance exercise
Correlation between changes in biomarkers of lipolysis and with glucose dynamics during endurance exercise.
Measured: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Apr 2026
- Study start5 May 2026
- Primary completionJan 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionJun 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Glucose MetabolismStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Ulm
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Martin Heni, University of Ulm
- Investigators
- Martin Heni, MD, Principal investigator, University of Ulm
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07543705
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 276/25
- Acronym
- GLEE
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 11 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Glucose-Level During Endurance Exercise (GLEE Study): Influencing Factors and Mechanisms
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07543705
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GLEE / 276/25
- Conditions
- Glucose Metabolism
- Keywords
- glucose levels, endurance exercise, continuous glucose monitoring
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of UlmUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Jan 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jun 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 22 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
As part of the mandatory annual assessment of physical fitness, soldiers are required to complete a standardized military march. A total of 100 healthy volunteer participants will be recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm. During this march, physiological and metabolic parameters will be assessed.
At baseline, anthropometric data and information on medical history, lifestyle, and fitness status will be collected, including a validated questionnaire on physical activity. Blood and urine samples will be obtained to determine routine laboratory and metabolic parameters, and body composition will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. In addition, selected sensors will be applied to continuously record physiological data.
Participants will then complete a 6 km march carrying 15 kg of equipment. After completion of the march, sensors will be removed and additional blood and urine samples will be collected to evaluate metabolic responses to physical exertion, including catecholamine levels.
Detailed description
In this study, physiological data from healthy volunteers will be investigated. A total of 100 healthy volunteer participants will be recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm. As part of the mandatory annual assessment of physical fitness required by their employer, these individuals must complete a standardized military march. During this march, metabolic parameters will be assessed.
At the beginning of the study, anthropometric data as well as general information regarding medical history, lifestyle, and fitness status will be collected using a baseline questionnaire developed by the Section of Endocrinology and Diabetology. In addition, a validated questionnaire on physical activity (BSA questionnaire) will be administered. The information obtained will support the interpretation of physiological parameters, as individual fitness levels may influence heart rate and glucose dynamics.
Blood samples (maximum 60 mL) and urine samples will be collected to determine routine laboratory parameters as well as metabolic markers. Participants will undergo bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess body composition. To collect physiological data, selected sensors and devices will be attached to the participants (continuous glucose monitoring, electrocardiography).
After the sensors have been applied and calibrated, participants will complete a 6 km march carrying 15 kg of equipment. The march will be conducted in uniform in accordance with central military regulations, with standardized marching equipment and a fixed route consisting of two laps around the grounds of the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm.
At the end of the march, the sensors will be removed by the study physicians. Subsequently, an additional blood sample (maximum 60 mL) will be collected to assess metabolic parameters following physical exertion, and a urine sample will be obtained for the analysis of catecholamines.
Restricting participation to soldiers provides optimal conditions for investigating glucose dynamics and their influencing factors during endurance exercise in healthy individuals. Soldiers undergo regular comprehensive health check-ups every three years, including medical questionnaires, physical examinations, laboratory diagnostics, and additional specialist evaluations when indicated. Conditions such as prediabetes or arterial hypertension are therefore detected and treated at an early stage, resulting in a medically well-screened cohort of healthy individuals.
Scientific data on glucose dynamics during physical exercise are already available for individuals with diabetes and for professional athletes. However, data in healthy individuals remain limited. The pre-screened cohort of soldiers is therefore particularly suitable for addressing this research question. Compared with other potential study populations, such as participants recruited from university recreational sports programs, this cohort offers several advantages, including a broader range of fitness levels, a wider age distribution (up to 65 years), and substantial experience with the specific exercise task. The annually performed 6 km march with load is conducted under standardized conditions and is familiar to the participants, thereby minimizing stress-related metabolic effects. Standardized clothing and equipment further reduce potential external confounding factors.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Soldiers | – | Other: Standardized military marchhealthy volunteer participants recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- healthy volunteer participants recruited from soldiers serving at the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m^2
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Pregnancy or lactation
- cardiovascular disease
- vegan diet
- drug or alcohol abuse
- Drug therapy that raises or lowers blood sugar, e.g. steroids, antidiabetics, insulin or influences the autonomic nervous system
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Standardized military march6 km march carrying 15 kg of equipment. The march will be conducted in uniform in accordance with central military regulations. Participants will be equipped with a continuous glucose monitor an electrocardiography wearable during the march. Before and after the march blood and urine samples will be obtained. | Other | Soldiers |
Primary outcome
Glucose dynamics during exercise
Time frame: 1 hour
Interstitial glucose responses during the standardized endurance exercise (6 kilometer march with 15 kilogram load) measured via continuous glucose monitoring.
Sympathetic nervous system activation (catecholamines)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system during a standardized endurance exercise measured via changes in catecholamine levels.
Correlation between sympathetic activation (catecholamines) and glucose dynamics during endurance exercise
Time frame: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between sympathetic nervous system activation measured via catecholamine levels and glucose responses during a standardized endurance exercise (6 kilometer march with 15 kilogram load).
Heart rate variability
Time frame: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Heat rate variability during a standardized endurance exercise measured via electrocardiography.
Correlation between heart rate variability and glucose dynamics during endurance exercise
Time frame: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between heart rate variability and glucose responses during a standardized endurance exercise (6 kilometer march with 15 kilogram load).
10 secondary outcomes
Training status
Time frame: Baseline
Correlation between training status and glucose dynamics during endurance exercise
Time frame: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Body composition
Time frame: Baseline.
Correlation between body composition and glucose dynamics during exercise.
Time frame: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Biomarkers of inflammatory response
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between inflammatory markers with glucose dynamics during exercise.
Time frame: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Cortisol levels
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between cortisol levels and glucose dynamics during exercise.
Time frame: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Biomarkers of lipolysis
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Correlation between lipolysis and glucose dynamics during endurance exercise
Time frame: Baseline, during the 1 hour-march, immediately after the march (approximately 1 hour after baseline)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Glucose Metabolism
RecruitingObservational study
Early Tracking of Childhood Health Determinants (ETCHED) Study
Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity
Active, not recruitingObservational study
EFFECT OF HYBRID CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEMS ON CARDIOVASCULAR MARKERS IN TYPE 1 DIABETES.
Type 1 Diabetes
Active, not recruiting
Insulin Resistance and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Myocardial Ischemia and Non-obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction, Coronary Microvascular Disease
Active, not recruiting
Effect of the Thrive AI Health App on Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life
Diabetes Type 2, Overweight or Obesity
RecruitingObservational study
A Natural History Study of Metabolic Sizing in Health and Disease
Metabolic Disorders, Cancer
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Martin Heni, MD principal investigator
University of Ulm
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Glucose Metabolism, run by University of Ulm at 1 site in Germany.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Martin Heni, MD (+4973150044505, martin.heni@uniklinik-ulm.de), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Glucose dynamics during exercise (time frame: 1 hour). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 May 2026.