Title:Resistance Exercise Versus Aerobic Exercise Combined with Metformin Therapy in the Treatment of type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Week Comparative Clinical Study
Volume: 21
Issue: 8
Author(s): Walid Kamal Abdelbasset *
Affiliation:
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj,Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, resistance exercise, aerobic exercise, metformin, glucose oxidation, insulin resistance,
maximal oxygen uptake.
Abstract:
Background: Both exercise and metformin are used to control blood glucose levels in
patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while no previous studies have investigated the effect
of resistance exercise combined with metformin versus aerobic exercise with metformin in
T2DM patients.
Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the effects of resistance exercise combined with
metformin versus aerobic exercise with metformin in T2DM patients.
Methods: A total of fifty-seven T2DM patients with a mean age of 46.2±8.3 years were randomized
to three study groups; each group included nineteen patients. The first group conducted a
resistance exercise program (REP, 50-60% of 1RM, for 40-50 min) combined with metformin, the
second group conducted an aerobic exercise program (AEP, 50-70% maxHR, for 40-50 min) combined
with metformin, and the third group received only metformin without exercise intervention
(Met group). The study program was conducted thrice weekly for consecutive twelve weeks. Fasting
blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment of insulin
resistance (HOMA-IR), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were evaluated before and after
study intervention.
Results: Significant differences were reported after the 12-week intervention inter-groups in the
outcome variables (p˂0.05). FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and VO2max improved significantly in the
REP group (p˂0.001) and also in the AEP group (p=0.016, p=0.036, p=0.024, and p=0.019 respectively)
while the Met group showed an only significant reduction in FBG (p=0.049), and non-significant
changes in HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and VO2max (p˃0.05). REP group achieved greater improvements
than AEP group (FBG, p=0.034; HbA1c%, p=0.002; HOMA-IR, p˂0.001; and VO2max,
p=0.024).
Conclusion: Both resistance and aerobic exercise programs combined with metformin are effective
in controlling T2DM. Resistance exercise combined with metformin is more effective than aerobic
exercise combined with metformin in the treatment of T2DM.
