BACKGROUND: While it is well documented that diabetes impairs the microcirculation,its effect on isometric exercise has not been determined. MATERIAL/METHODS: Isometric strength and enduranceof the handgrip muscles for a series of 2 fatiguing isometric contractions at a tension of 40% of themaximum strength were assessed in 10 subjects with Type 2 diabetes compared to 10 control subjects; 5minutes were allowed between the contractions. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), blood flow (BF)of the whole arm and of the skin on the chest and foot were measured. RESULTS: Strength and endurancefor the first contraction was the same in control subjects compared to subjects with Type 2 diabetes(p>0.05), but endurance of the second contraction was significantly less in subjects with diabetes (p

Keywords: Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular System - physiopathology, Case-Control Studies, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - physiopathology, Exercise, Heart Rate, Physical Endurance, Regional Blood Flow