Diabetes Metab J.  2013 Aug;37(4):225-232. 10.4093/dmj.2013.37.4.225.

Effects of Exercise Alone on Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Tolerance in Obese Youth

• Lee S
• Kim Y

• KMID: 2174262
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2013.37.4.225

Abstract

As with the dramatic increases in childhood obesity over the past decades, the incidence of type 2 diabetes has increased among children and adolescents in the United States. Insulin resistance is a common feature of childhood obesity and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and atherogenic lipoprotein profile in obese youth. Although cross-sectional studies report beneficial effects of physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness on insulin sensitivity, the role of regular exercise alone (e.g., no calorie restriction) as a strategy to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes is unclear in obese children and adolescents. In this mini review, we examined the independent effects of various exercise on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese youth.

Keyword

Abdominal fat; Childhood obesity; Exercise; Glucose tolerance; Insulin resistance; Resistance exercise

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Fat
Adolescent
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Glucose
Humans
Incidence
Insulin
Insulin Resistance
Lipoproteins
Motor Activity
Obesity
United States
Glucose
Insulin
Lipoproteins

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