Effect of eight weeks aerobic periodic training with increasing intensity on insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin resistance in middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in middle-aged women due to menopause, decreased body metabolism, and increased fat tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks aerobic periodic training with increasing intensity on insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin resistance in middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes. In this experimental study, 30 middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes were selected through targeted sampling and randomly divided into two groups of 15 Interval training and control groups. The training group performed for 8 weeks an intensive training session on the Davis test on the monocular bicycle, So that in the first week, the subjects performed their exercises with 65% of their maximum strength and in the eighth week with 80% of their maximum strength. During this period, the control group did not participate in any kind of sports activities. For all subjects, body mass index, IGF-1 hormones and insulin resistance were measured using the HOMA-IR formula. To compare pre-test and post-test data in each group and between groups, t-test and independent t-test were used. Eight weeks of training had a significant increase in insulin-like factors and a significant decrease in insulin resistance in the experimental group (P≤0.001). These changes also showed a significant difference in comparison with the control group. High-intensity aerobic interval training through the effect on hormonal levels can be effective in improving the status of people with type 2 diabetes.