Family history of type 2 diabetes and altered maximal aerobic capacity in elite young athletes: a cross-sectional study.

Aim. Family history of type 2 diabetes is a predictive risk factor of illness in sedentary subjects and induces early phenotypic and metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to determine whether a family history of diabetes in young male athletes had an effect on metabolic functional parameters. Methods. The study population was 42 young male athletes with or without a family history of type 2 diabetes. Anthropometric parameters, body composition, and maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) were assessed. Results. V̇O2max was lower in the 13 athletes with a family history of diabetes (FH+) than in the 29 athletes without a family history of the disorder (FH-) matched for kilogram of body weight and fat-free mass (P <0.05, respectively). The mean increase in V̇O2max was lower in the FH+ athletes than in that of the FH- athletes (15% vs 28%), compared to respective theoretical values. Conclusion. Family history of type 2 diabetes can limit the positive metabolic adjustments induced by physical activity and should be considered a risk factor in prevention interventions.