Effects of 6 Weeks of Lifestyle Modification Including Combined Exercise Program on the Risk of Metabolic Parameters and Macrovascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Lee, Dong Hoon; Lee, Seung Hwan; An, Kiyong; Moon, Jin Young; Kim, So Hun; Choi, Yoon Jin; Nam, Moonsuk; Jeon, Justin Y

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Although lifestyle modification has been recommended for Type 2 diabetic patients, little is known about the effect of combined exercise (aerobic and resistance training) on macrovascular complications and metabolic parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of lifestyle modification including combined exercise program on body composition, physical fitness, the risk of macrovascular complications and metabolic parameters in Type 2 diabetic patients.
METHODS
Thirty-five patients with type 2 diabetes were selected as research participants from I-Hospital in Incheon Metropolitan City. Patients were randomized into a lifestyle modification group (n = 23) and a control group (n = 12). Six weeks of lifestyle modification included supervised core and circuit resistance exercise (3 times/week), unsupervised aerobic exercise (2~3 times/week) and diet counseling (once a week) by clinical nutritionist. Body composition, blood pressure, physical fitness, macrovascular complications risk (baPWV, ABI), metabolic parameters including glucose, insulin, homeostasis of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) were measured before and after the intervention.
RESULTS
After the 6 weeks of lifestyle modification, the significant improvements were found in body composition and overall physical fitness levels (P < .05), whereas HbA1c, TC, GGT were significantly decreased after the intervention (P < .05). Further multiple regression analysis showed the changes in lean mass, VO2max were predictors for changes in HbA1c levels after the lifestyle modification. On the other hand, arterial stiffness was not significantly changed but maintained.
CONCLUSION
Lifestyle modification including combined exercise program had beneficial effects on body composition, physical fitness, glycemic control, metabolic parameters in Type 2 diabetic patients. Moreover, combined exercise including resistance training did not show any side-effects and maintained the level of arterial stiffness.