Effect of Aerobic Exercise on HbA1c and Cognitive Function in Prediabetes Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

This study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate to high-intensity aerobic exercise on HbA1c (Glycated hemoglobin), FBS (fasting blood sugar) and cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment prediabetes patients.

Seventeen elderly mild cognitive impairment (age 55-70) men and women were selected and were randomly divided into 2 groups as aerobic (n=10) and control (n=10). Six subjects were excluded during the study. Finally, 14 subjects were continued the exercise program. Assessments were done at baseline and 12 weeks after intervention. The 12-weeks aerobic exercise program consisted of 90 min sessions in length 3 days per week under the supervision of the exercise specialist. Cognitive function, HbA1c, and FBS were evaluated. The differences in all variables (one way ANOVA), correlation (Pearson single correlation) and relative changes between baseline and 12 weeks (paired T-tests) were investigated.

HbA1c, FBS decreased significantly in the aerobic group whereas cognitive function increased significantly after 12 weeks aerobic (P-value< 0.05 for all). Also, the change of cognitive function was significantly associated with a change of FBS (r= -0.84) after a 12-week aerobic exercise (P-value: 0.011). Differences between groups in HbA1c, FBS and cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination) were not significant.

Aerobic exercise may improve HbA1c, FBS and subsequently cognitive function in prediabetes elderly subjects. Therefore, a decrease in glycemic indicators could lead to improve cognitive function.