Effect of Aerobic Exercise, Resistance Training or Combined Training on Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training and combination of aerobic plus resistance training on glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

In this interventional study, 152 adults aged 33-69 years with T2DM were recruited from clinic of endocrinology. After a 2-week run-in phase training, 80 subjects were randomly divided into four groups of 20 individuals; aerobic, resistance, combined training, and control groups. Exercise training was performed three times per week for 52 weeks.

Significant reduction in the mean HbA1C was noted in the three training groups. All subjects of the training groups showed improvement in postprandial glucose level, blood pressure, Vo2max, and muscular percentage. Furthermore, the reductions of triglycerides in the aerobic and combined training groups were significant. Also, a significant change was observed in body fat percentage in the resistance and combined groups. Combination of two forms of exercise training led to better enhancement in HbA1C and triglycerides compared with each of the aerobic and resistance groups.

Both aerobic and resistance trainings are effective interventions for management of T2DM complications. However, the combined training is associated with further enhancement in the studied parameters.