Diabetes Metab J.  2016 Aug;40(4):253-271. 10.4093/dmj.2016.40.4.253.

The Effect of Regular Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Way KL
• Hackett DA
• Baker MK
• Johnson NA

• KMID: 2368512
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2016.40.4.253

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of regular exercise training on insulin sensitivity in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using the pooled data available from randomised controlled trials. In addition, we sought to determine whether short-term periods of physical inactivity diminish the exercise-induced improvement in insulin sensitivity. Eligible trials included exercise interventions that involved ≥3 exercise sessions, and reported a dynamic measurement of insulin sensitivity. There was a significant pooled effect size (ES) for the effect of exercise on insulin sensitivity (ES, -0.588; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.816 to -0.359; P<0.001). Of the 14 studies included for meta-analyses, nine studies reported the time of data collection from the last exercise bout. There was a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity in favour of exercise versus control between 48 and 72 hours after exercise (ES, -0.702; 95% CI, -1.392 to -0.012; P=0.046); and this persisted when insulin sensitivity was measured more than 72 hours after the last exercise session (ES, -0.890; 95% CI, -1.675 to -0.105; P=0.026). Regular exercise has a significant benefit on insulin sensitivity in adults with T2DM and this may persist beyond 72 hours after the last exercise session.

Keyword

Aerobic training; Glucose tolerance test; Hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp; Insulin resistance; Resistance training

MeSH Terms

Adult
Data Collection
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
Glucose Tolerance Test
Humans
Insulin Resistance*
Insulin*
Resistance Training
Insulin

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Exercise versus control on insulin sensitivity. ES, effect size; CI, confidence interval.

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  Fig. 2 The effect of exercise on insulin sensitivity (A) <48 hours, (B) 48 to 72 hours, and (C) >72 hours after the last bout of exercise. ES, effect size; CI, confidence interval.

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