Effects of two aerobic and resistance training protocols on NF-kB levels and insulin resistance index in women with type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of aerobic or resistance training on the serum levels of NF-kB, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, and insulin resistance index in type2 diabetic women.

Participants were 45 volunteer women with type 2 diabetes who randomly assigned into three groups of 15: aerobic, resistance, and control. The exercises performed three times a week for eight weeks. The resistance training consisted of 8-12 repetitions with 60-70% of 1RM, and the aerobic training consisted of 30-50 minutes of running on the treadmill with 65-75% of maximum heart rate. Before and after the intervention, the levels of NF-kB, lipid profile, blood glucose and insulin resistance index were measured.

Eight weeks of aerobic and resistance training had no significant effect on NF-kB levels. However, both training methods significantly reduced the insulin resistance index, fasting blood glucose, LDL levels, and increased HDL levels. The levels of triglycerides were significantly reduced only after the aerobic training. There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of aerobic and resistance training in improvements of the insulin resistance index, blood glucose, LDL and HDL levels.

Eight weeks of aerobic training with 65-75% of the maximum heart rate or resistance training with 60-70% of 1RM can lead to reducing insulin resistance and blood sugar level, and improvement of lipid profile in women with type 2 diabetes, without significant effect on NF-kB levels. There is no difference in positive effects of these training methods.