Dose-Dependent Effect of Supervised Aerobic Exercise on HbA1c in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Physical activity guidelines for adults with type 2 Diabetes: Systematic review

AIMS

The aim of this study was to systematically review recommendations on physical activity for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Online databases were searched for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), statements, and recommendations. Two authors screened the guidelines based on eligibility criteria. FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) for physical activity and disease-specific precautions were extracted independently. The methodological quality of CPGs was assessed using the AGREE II instrument. Recommendations were categorized according to FITT, with disease-specific adaptations also recorded.

RESULTS

Fifteen guidelines were included. Nine underwent AGREE II evaluation, with three rated high quality and the rest moderate to low. The predominant recommendation was to engage in at least 150 min of moderate aerobic exercise per week. Adaptations for T2D focused on glucose levels, diet, foot care, weather conditions, sedentary behaviour, neuropathy, and retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

While guidelines consistently recommended aerobic exercise, there was limited emphasis on strength and flexibility exercises. Significant limitations in methodological and reporting quality were noted, especially in stakeholder involvement and applicability. Future guidelines should use a standardized FITT framework and adhere to standard development methods to enhance usability for healthcare professionals and patients.

The Impact of Physical Activity in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Most patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) do not meet guideline-driven exercise recommendations. Physical activity (PA) is any form of bodily movement via skeletal muscle contraction. It can include walking, gardening, leisure activity, exercise, or movement for transportation or an occupation. Aerobic and resistance exercise have been well studied and are known to improve glycemic control in patients with T2DM. While data is less substantial, low-intensity PA such as walking, yoga, tai-chi, qigong, and activity for household tasks have also been shown to be effective methods of reducing hyperglycemia. Additionally, PA to break up sedentary behaviors can also have glycemic benefits. Healthcare providers should encourage patients to increase their PA as a more sustainable means of meeting guideline-directed exercise and activity recommendations. Discussing these changes with patients involves identifying motivators, setting goals, removing barriers, monitoring progress, and understanding the patient's social support and environment.

Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

Importance

Current guidance on the duration of aerobic exercise recommended in existing guidelines comes primarily from individual trials. Meta-analyses are lacking to examine the dose-response association of aerobic exercise with adiposity measures.

Objective

To clarify the dose-response association of aerobic exercise with adiposity measures.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and gray literature sources (ProQuest and ClinicalTrials.gov) from inception to April 30, 2024.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials with intervention durations of at least 8 weeks evaluating the effects of supervised aerobic training on adults with overweight or obesity.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The PRISMA guidelines were followed to report the results of the meta-analysis. Data extraction was conducted by 2 teams of 2 reviewers each, working independently and in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate mean differences and 95% CIs for each 30-minute per week aerobic exercise and to clarify the shape of the curvilinear associations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Measures of body weight, waist circumference, body fat, adverse events, medication use reduction, and health-related quality of life score. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool, with a range from very low to high certainty.

Results

In total, 116 randomized clinical trials involving 6880 participants (4199 [61%] female; mean [SD] age, 46 [13] years) with overweight or obesity were included. Each 30 minutes per week of aerobic exercise was associated with reduced body weight by 0.52 kg (95% CI, -0.61 to -0.44 kg; n = 109 trials, GRADE = moderate), waist circumference by 0.56 cm (95% CI, -0.67 to -0.45 cm; n = 62 trials, GRADE = high), body fat percentage by 0.37% (95% CI, -0.43% to -0.31%; n = 65 trials, GRADE = moderate), as well as the areas of visceral (mean difference, -1.60 cm2 [95% CI, -2.12 to -1.07 cm2]; n = 26 trials, GRADE = high) and subcutaneous (mean difference, -1.37 cm2 [95% CI, -1.82 to -0.92 cm2]; n = 27 trials, GRADE = moderate) adipose tissues. Aerobic exercise was associated with modestly increased physical (standardized mean difference, 1.69 SD [95% CI, 1.18-2.20 SD]) and mental (standardized mean difference, 0.74 SD [95% CI, 0.29-1.19 SD]) aspects of quality of life (1 trial with 80 participants, GRADE = low). It was associated with modestly increased mild to moderate adverse events, which were mostly musculoskeletal symptoms (risk difference, 2 more events per 100 participants [95% CI, 1 to 2 more]; GRADE = low). Dose-response meta-analyses indicated that body weight, waist circumference, and body fat measures decreased linearly or monotonically in association with increasing duration of aerobic exercise to 300 minutes per week, with aerobic exercise lasting 150 minutes per week at moderate to vigorous intensities resulting in clinically important reductions in waist circumference and body fat.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, engaging in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week was associated with modest reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat measures among adults with overweight or obesity. However, aerobic training exceeding 150 minutes per week at moderate intensity or greater may be needed to achieve clinically important reductions.

Aerobic exercise training and obstructive sleep apnea: dose-response meta-analyses

PURPOSE

Several studies have shown that aerobic exercise training improves obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. However, a dose-response relationship has never been shown. This study aimed to quantify any dose-response relationships between time spent per week in aerobic exercise and key sleep apnea outcomes.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were selected from literature search studying the effects of supervised aerobic exercise training on patients with OSA. Dose-response meta-analyses were performed, where the 'dose' was the total weekly duration of aerobic exercise training. Primary outcomes were apnea hypopnea index (AHI), cardiorespiratory fitness (maximum oxygen consumption or VO2peak) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

RESULTS

Analysis of data from 11 RCTs showed a non-linear dose-response relationship between the total weekly duration of aerobic exercise training and mean differences in AHI. Maximum effects on AHI (-10.92 (95%CIs: -15.57; -6.27)) were observed when the weekly duration of aerobic exercise reached 100 min/week. Similar non-linear dose-response trend was observed in the mean differences in VO2peak. Studies in which aerobic exercise training lasted ≥ 12 weeks showed greater proportional changes in mean AHI differences with maximal effects reaching a peak at ∼ 70 min/week of aerobic exercise training. ESS and total weekly duration of aerobic exercise training showed a linear dose-response relationship based on 4 RCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these analyses, aerobic exercise training of 70-100 min/week over 3 or 5 days a week should be recommended as adjunctive treatment for patients with OSA.

Evolutionary Mismatch and Lifestyle-Related Diseases: A Study of a 6-Month Intensive Lifestyle Intervention

Chronic medical conditions caused by the inadequate adaptation of the body to modern lifestyles, such as physical inactivity and unhealthy diets, are on the rise. This study assessed whether a comprehensive lifestyle intervention, including high volumes of supervised exercise, could improve health outcomes. Eight volunteers with lifestyle-related diseases received a 6-month lifestyle intervention consisting of 8000-10 000 steps/day, 6 moderate-intensity endurance and 3 resistance training sessions per week, a 5-week long hike, and dietary advice. This was followed by 7 months of limited remote supervision, ending 13 months from baseline. The participants (3 females, 5 males; mean age 42.9 years) had conditions including type 2 diabetes (T2D), depression/stress, and metabolic syndrome (MS). After 6 months, body weight decreased significantly by 23 kg (95% CI; -33.7 to -12.2), with a minor non-significant decrease in lean body mass of 1.96 kg (95% CI; -4.34 to 0.27). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased by 18.5 mL/O2/kg/min. (95% CI; 13.8-23.1) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased by 33 (95% CI; -39 to -26) and 18 mmHg (95% CI; -23 to -14), respectively. Three of the 4 participants with T2D had normalized glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and all showed improved 2-h oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) without pharmacological treatment. Participants with T2D continued to lower HbA1c during the 7-month follow-up period. This 6-month lifestyle intervention restored metabolic health and improved cardiovascular health in 8 participants with lifestyle-related diseases while reducing the need for pharmacological treatments. These findings suggest that comprehensive lifestyle changes can reverse several medical conditions caused by evolutionary mismatch.

The Best Exercise Modality and Dose to Reduce Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review with Pairwise, Network, and Dose-Response Meta-Analyses

BACKGROUND

Persistently elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is associated with a higher risk of long-term vascular complications.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effect of different exercise modalities and doses on HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A systematic search for randomized controlled trials involving exercise interventions in patients with type 2 diabetes was conducted across seven electronic databases, encompassing data from their inception up to October 2023. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the literature. Pairwise, network, and dose-response meta-analyses using the random-effects model were conducted to analyze the effect of exercise on HbA1c levels.

RESULTS

A total of 85 randomized controlled trials with 5535 participants were included. The network meta-analysis showed that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has the highest ranked (MD =  - 0.78% [- 8.50 mmol/mol]; 95% CrI:  - 1.04, - 0.51), followed by combined aerobic and resistance exercise (CE) (MD =  - 0.54% [- 5.90 mmol/mol]; 95% CrI: - 0.69, - 0.40), yoga (MD =  - 0.45% [- 4.92 mmol/mol]; 95% CrI: - 0.77, - 0.13), and continuous aerobic exercise (CAE) (MD =  - 0.42% [- 4.58 mmol/mol]; 95% CrI: - 0.54, - 0.30). In addition, a significant improvement in HbA1c levels can be observed when the total exercise dose reaches 840 metabolic equivalent of tasks-min/week.

CONCLUSIONS

There was low-quality evidence that HIIT, CE, yoga, and CAE may be effective treatment modalities for improving HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes, and there was no significant difference in efficacy. Moreover, a non-linear dose-response relationship was found for total exercise and HbA1c levels. Future research should further investigate the specific effects of different exercise doses on HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and provide a more personalized exercise prescription.

The effects of resistance training on cardiovascular factors and anti-inflammation in diabetic rats

Diabetes induces a range of macrovascular and microvascular changes, which lead to significant clinical complications. Although many studies have tried to solve the diabetic problem using drugs, it remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether resistance exercise affects cardiovascular factors and inflammatory markers in diabetes. The study subjected Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, which have genetically induced diabetes mellitus, to a resistance exercise program for 12 weeks and assessed the levels of cardiovascular factors and inflammatory markers using western blotting analysis, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. During the training period, OLETF + exercise (EX) group exhibited lower body weight and reduced glucose levels when compared with OLETF group. Western blotting analysis, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry revealed that the levels of PAI-1, VACM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, TGF-β, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were decreased in OLETF + EX group when compared with the OLETF group. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory markers, IL-4 and IL-10, were highly expressed after exercise. Therefore, these results indicate that exercise may influence the regulation of cardiovascular factors and inflammatory markers, as well as help patients with metabolic syndromes regulate inflammation and cardiovascular function.

The effects of different exercises on weight loss and hormonal changes in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a network meta-analysis study

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine illnesses. There is evidence that exercise training positively affects on improvement of the pathogenic factors in women with PCOS. On the other hand, some studies reported similar effects of aerobic and resistance exercises or no effect of exercises on the improvement of the pathogenic factors. The aim of the current study was to perform a network meta-analysis of RCTs to evaluate the efficacy of exercises on body mass index (BMI), hormone concentrations, and regular menstruation in women with PCOS.

METHODS

The search was performed from databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science with the keywords of exercise, resistance exercise, aerobic exercise, endurance exercise, yoga, polycystic ovary syndrome, randomized controlled trial based on the CONSORT, BMI, sex hormone and regular menstruation from inception until April 15, 2022. Bayesian random-effects network meta-analyses were performed to calculate mean difference and 95% credible intervals.

RESULTS

Out of 1140 studies, 19 were eligible for inclusion. The results showed that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise effectively reduces BMI compared to no intervention and Yoga. No other forms of exercise led to weight loss. Additionally, exercise had no impact on sex hormones and regular menstruation. It was concluded that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is the most effective for reducing BMI in women with PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the limitations regarding the small sample size and lack of subgroup and sensitivity analysis, the results of this study demonstrated that moderate-intensity, aerobic exercise is the most effective exercise for reducing BMI, while the other exercises were ineffective. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is suggested to decrease the BMI in women with PCOS.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This systematic review and network meta-analysis study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022324839).

Does type 2 diabetes duration influence the effectiveness of an aerobic exercise intervention: Results from the INTENSITY study

BACKGROUND

Studies suggest that longer durations of T2DM increase the risk of T2DM complications and premature mortality. However, whether T2DM duration impacts the efficacy of an aerobic exercise intervention is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was: 1) to compare changes in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and glycemia between individuals with short- and long-duration T2DM after aerobic exercise and 2) to determine whether these changes were associated with changes in glycemia by T2DM duration.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of the INTENSITY study (NCT03787836), including thirty-four adults (≥19 years) with T2DM who participated in 28 weeks of aerobic exercise training for 150 minutes per week at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity (4.5 to 6.0 metabolic equivalents (METs)). Using pre-established cut-points, participants were categorized into two groups 1) short-duration T2DM (<5 years) or 2) long-duration T2DM (≥5 years). Glycemia was measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body composition by BodPod, and cardiorespiratory fitness by a measure of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). All measurements were performed at baseline, 16 weeks, and 28 weeks.

RESULTS

Participants in the short-duration T2DM group experienced decreases in fat mass (kg) (p = 0.03), HbA1c (p = 0.05), and an increased relative VO2peak (p = 0.01). Those with long-duration T2DM experienced decreases in fat mass (kg) (p = 0.02) and HbA1c (p <0.001) and increased fat-free mass (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed between groups in any outcomes. Changes in fat mass (r = 0.54, p = 0.02), and body fat percentage (r = 0.50, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with the change in HbA1c in those with a long-duration T2DM only.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest T2DM duration did not differently impact the efficacy of a 28-week aerobic exercise intervention. However, changes in body composition were associated with better glycemia in individuals with longer T2DM duration only.

Effect of exercise training on glycemic control in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A GRADE assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

AIMS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of exercise training on HbA1c, and on fasting and postprandial plasma glucose concentrations in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

METHODS

Two independent researchers performed a systematic search in the electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Studies investigating the effect of exercise training on patients diagnosed with DPN using a randomized-controlled design were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1254 retrieved studies, 68 studies were identified to undergo full-text review; out of these a total of 13 randomized trials met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies assessed HbA1c, 8 fasting plasma-glucose concentration, and 3 postprandial plasma-glucose concentration. Overall, exercise training significantly decreased HbA1c [-0.54% (95% CI -0.78 to -0.31%)], fasting plasma glucose [-32.6 mg/dl [-1.8 mmol/L] (-44.2 to -20.9 mg/dl [-2.4 to -1.1 mmol/L])] and postprandial plasma glucose [-67.5 mg/dl [-3.7 mmol/L] (-129.5 to -5.4 mg/dl [-7.1 to -0.3 mmol/L])]. Studies with aerobic training intervention yielded the largest significant mean reduction in HbA1c (-0.75%) and fasting plasma glucose concertation (34.0 mg/dl).

CONCLUSIONS

aerobic training is the most effective modality to reduces HbA1c, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose concentration in patients with DPN. From a metabolic perspective, the magnitude precision range of the reduction in HbA1c is of clinical importance for patients with DPN. This area of research warrants further attention to investigate the impact of various exercise modalities on glycemic control. Registration number CRD42023413687.

Walking speed and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between walking speed and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL and Web of Science to 30 May 2023.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

We included cohort studies that explored the association between walking speed and the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults. We used random-effects meta-analyses to calculate relative risk (RR) and risk difference (RD). We rated the credibility of subgroup differences and the certainty of evidence using the Instrument to assess the Credibility of Effect Modification ANalyses (ICEMAN) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tools, respectively.

RESULTS

Ten cohort studies were included. Compared with easy/casual walking (<3.2 km/hour), the RR of type 2 diabetes was 0.85 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.00); RD=0.86 (95% CI 1.72 to 0) fewer cases per 100 patients; n=4, GRADE=low) for average/normal walking (3.2-4.8 km/hour), 0.76 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.87); RD=1.38 (95% CI 2.01 to 0.75) fewer cases per 100 patients; n=10, GRADE=low) for fairly brisk walking (4.8-6.4 km/hour) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.73; RD=2.24 (95% CI 2.93 to 1.55) fewer cases per 100 patients; n=6, GRADE=moderate) for brisk/striding walking (>6.4 km/hour). There was no significant or credible difference across subgroups based on adjustment for the total volume of physical activity and time spent walking per day. Dose-response analysis suggested that the risk of type 2 diabetes decreased significantly at a walking speed of 4 km/h and above.

CONCLUSIONS

Low to moderate certainty evidence, mainly from studies with a high risk of bias, suggests that walking at faster speeds is associated with a graded decrease in the risk of type 2 diabetes.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023432795.

Long-term follow-up on patient-reported outcomes after supervised exercise training in individuals at risk of complications to type 2 diabetes

AIMS

We investigated long-term changes of patient-reported outcomes after a supervised exercise intervention in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

In an intervention study without a control group, follow-up assessments were performed 12 months after initiating 12 weeks of physical exercise in individuals with T2D at intermediate or high risk of complications. Primary outcomes were health-related quality of life assessed with EQ-5D-5L, empowerment with Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form, and self-reported physical activity with the Physical Activity Scale. Secondary outcomes were physical function (30-s chair-stand test) and working capacity (Aastrand or Graded Cycling Test).

RESULTS

153 participants completed follow-up (35% women, age (mean ± SD) 67 ± 11 years, body mass index 33.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin A1c 7.8 ± 3.7%). No changes were reported in health-related quality of life (index score p = 0.444, visual analogue scale p = 0.270), empowerment (p = 0.232), and moderate intensity physical activity (p = 0.917). Vigorous intensity physical activity decreased (mean (95% CI) -25.5 (-37.14; -13.94) min/day, p < 0.001). Physical function increased (p < 0.001) and working capacity decreased (Aastrand p = 0.002, Graded Cycling Test p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related quality of life, empowerment, and self-reported moderate intensity physical activity time remained elevated at the long-term follow-up after a supervised exercise intervention.

Effects of aerobic exercise on blood pressure in patients with hypertension: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized trials

We aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of aerobic exercise on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and haemodynamic factors in adults with hypertension. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to April 2022 for randomized trials of aerobic exercise in adults with hypertension. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis to estimate mean differences (MDs) and 95%CIs for each 30 min/week increase in aerobic exercise. The certainty of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. The analysis of 34 trials with 1787 participants indicated that each 30 min/week aerobic exercise reduced SBP by 1.78 mmHg (95%CI: -2.22 to -1.33; n = 34, GRADE=low), DBP by 1.23 mmHg (95%CI: -1.53 to -0.93; n = 34, GRADE=moderate), resting heart rate (MD = -1.08 bpm, 95%CI: -1.46 to -0.71; n = 23, GRADE=low), and mean arterial pressure (MD = -1.37 mmHg, 95%CI: -1.80 to -0.93; n = 9, GRADE = low). A nonlinear dose-dependent decrement was seen on SBP and DBP, with the greatest decrement at 150 min/week (MD150 min/week = -7.23 mmHg, 95%CI: -9.08 to -5.39 for SBP and -5.58 mmHg, 95%CI: -6.90 to -4.27 for DBP). Aerobic exercise can lead to a large and clinically important reduction in blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, with the greatest reduction at 150 min/week. The dose-dependent effects of aerobic exercise on systolic and diastolic blood pressure and haemodynamic factors in adults with hypertension.

Walking pace and the time between the onset of noncommunicable diseases and mortality: a UK Biobank prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To estimate time spent in various cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer states, according to self-reported walking pace.

METHODS

In total, 391,744 UK Biobank participants were included (median age = 57 years; 54.7% women). Data were collected 2006-2010, with follow-up collected in 2021. Usual walking pace was self-defined as slow, steady, average, or brisk. Multistate modeling determined the transition rate and mean sojourn time in and across three different states (healthy, CVD or cancer, and death) upon a time horizon of 10 years.

RESULTS

The mean sojourn time in the healthy state was longer, while that in the CVD or cancer state was shorter in individuals reporting an average or brisk walking pace (vs. slow). A 75-year-old woman reporting a brisk walking pace spent, on average, 8.4 years of the next 10 years in a healthy state; an additional 8.0 (95% CI: 7.3, 8.7) months longer than a 75-year-old woman reporting a slow walking pace. This corresponded to 4.3 (3.7, 4.9) fewer months living with CVD or cancer. Similar results were seen in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults reporting an average or brisk walking pace at baseline displayed a lower transition to disease development and a greater proportion of life lived without CVD or cancer.

AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS

Research was conducted using the UK Biobank resource under Application #33266. The UK Biobank resource can be accessed by researchers on application. Variables derived for this study have been returned to the UK Biobank for future applicants to request. No additional data are available.

The effect of health behavior interventions to manage Type 2 diabetes on the quality of life in low-and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Behavioral interventions targeted at managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may have a positive effect on quality of life (QOL). Limited reviews have synthesized this effect in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review and meta-analysis synthesised available evidence on the effect of behavioral interventions to manage T2DM on the QOL of people with T2DM in LMICs.

METHODS

Electronic databases PUBMED/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science and PsycINFO were searched from May to June 2022. Studies published between January 2000 and May 2022, conducted in LMICs using randomized controlled trial design, using a health behavior intervention for T2DM management, and reporting QOL outcomes were included. Difference in QOL change scores between the intervention and control group was calculated as the standardized mean difference (SMD) of QOL scores observed between the intervention and control groups. Random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Of 6122 studies identified initially, 45 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 8336). Of them, 31 involved diabetes self-management education and 14 included dietary and/or physical activity intervention. There was moderate quality evidence from the meta-analysis of mean QOL (n = 25) that health behavior intervention improved the QOL of people with T2DM (SMD = 1.62, 95%CI = 0.65-2.60 I2 = 0.96, p = 0.001). However, no significant improvements were found for studies (n = 7) separately assessing the physical component summary (SMD = 0.76, 95%CI = -0.03-1.56 I2 = 0.94, p = 0.060) and mental component summary (SMD = 0.43, 95%CI = -0.30-1.16 I2 = 0.94, p = 0.249) scores. High heterogeneity and imprecise results across studies resulted in low to moderate quality of evidence.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that health behavior interventions to manage T2DM may substantially improve the QOL of individuals with T2DM over short term. However, due to low to moderate quality of evidence, further research is required to corroborate our findings. Results of this review may guide future research and have policy implications for T2DM management in LMICs.

"Does Physical Exercise Promote Health Benefits for Diabetic Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic?": A Systematic Review

Patients affected by COVID-19 are prone to facing disorders in multiple systems and organs, which can lead to deleterious diseases; in addition, people with pre-existing diseases may be more prone to the worst outcomes, and the most vulnerable are patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of physical activity and/or physical exercise prescribed to individuals with diabetes on the maintenance of plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies were found by searching PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, SportDiscus, Bireme/BVS and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria were articles that addressed only patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (T1D and T2D) who had evaluated the level of physical activity or physical exercise and described the effects on plasma glucose and/or glycated hemoglobin in cross-sectional, retrospective, and observational studies, meeting the main criteria established by GRADE. The PICO and GRADE strategies were used to select and assess the methodological quality of studies. Two reviewers searched and selected the articles in databases independently and blindly, during which oppositions and disagreements about the inclusion of articles were discussed and resolved by a third reviewer. Evidence corroborates that levels of physical activity were reduced due to the lockdown, leading to increased body weight and worse glycemic control. On the other hand, individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) (T1D and T2D) who maintained and/or increased levels of physical activity or physical exercise showed reduced plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Adequate levels of physical exercise and physical activity are beneficial for glucose and HbA1c control in diabetic patients (type 1 or type 2). In addition, maintaining adequate levels of physical activity can contribute to reducing health problems when these patients are infected with COVID-19.

Physical exercise as treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes: a rapid review

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Physical exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to promote glycaemic control in T2DM. However, the optimal exercise parameters for glycemic control in individuals with T2DM remain unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical training variables - frequency, intensity, type, duration, volume, and progression - and glycemic control in individuals with T2DM.

Methods

A rapid systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed and LILACS databases. The PICOT strategy was employed to define the inclusion criteria. Eligible studies had to assess the impact of exercise parameters (frequency, intensity, type, duration, volume, and progression) on glycemic control indicators, primarily glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included in the review. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the PEDro scale (PROSPERO - CRD 42021262614).

Results

Out of 1188 papers initially identified, 18 reports met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. A total of 1,228 participants with T2DM (1086 in exercise groups) were included in the selected studies. Among these studies, 16 (88.9%) were RCTs and 2 (11.1%) were nRCTs. The age of participants ranged from 43.1 and 68.9 years, and the average intervention duration was 16.8 weeks. Data on adherence to the intervention, adverse events, detailed intervention protocol, and its impacts on glycaemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, medication, body composition, and physical fitness are reported.

Conclusion

The evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of physical exercises as non-pharmacological interventions for glycemic control. Aerobic, resistance and combined training interventions were associated with reductions in HbA1c and fasting glucose. The diversity of the physical exercise intervention protocols investigated in the studies included in this review is an important limitation to generalizing evidence-based practice. The call for action is mandatory to implement large-scale education programs on the prevention of diabetes and public health policies aimed to include well-planned and supervised exercise programs as an essential part of the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42021262614).

High-glycemic index meal acutely potentiates blood pressure response to static handgrip exercise in healthy humans

Blood glucose levels acutely increase postprandially depending on the type of meal consumed. However, it remains unclear whether postprandial hyperglycemia temporally affects cardiovascular responses to static handgrip exercise (SHG-ex). Thus, this study aimed to examine whether increased blood glucose induced by consumption of a high-glycemic index (HGI) meal affects pressor response to SHG-ex. A total of 14 healthy participants (7 women and 7 men) consumed an HGI meal, a low-glycemic index (LGI) meal, or no meal (control). Participants performed 30% maximal voluntary contraction SHG-ex followed by a postexercise muscle ischemia (PEMI) test before the meal and 60 min after consuming the meal. Blood glucose, plasma insulin, and plasma triglyceride levels were measured, and the area under the curve until 60 min (AUC0-60 min) after meal consumption was calculated. The HGI and LGI groups showed higher blood glucose and insulin AUC0-60 min than the control group (P < 0.001). At 60 min after the meal, the changes in blood pressure during SHG-ex were significantly greater in the HGI group, but not in the LGI group, than in the control group. The changes in blood pressure at the onset and end of SHG-ex 60 min after the meal were positively correlated with blood glucose AUC0-60 min (r = 0.321, P = 0.038; r = 0.402, P = 0.008, respectively) and plasma insulin AUC0-60 min (r = 0.339, P = 0.028; r = 0.302, P = 0.052, respectively). However, no association was observed during PEMI. These data suggest that postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia acutely exaggerate pressor response during SHG-ex in healthy young adults.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Postprandial hyperglycemia following consumption of a high-glycemic index (HGI) meal potentiated blood pressure response to static handgrip exercise (SHG-ex) in healthy young adults. These findings provide important insight into the role of the diet on acute circulatory response to exercise in healthy adults.

Enhancing intestinal barrier efficiency: A novel metabolic diseases therapy

Physiologically, the intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in homeostasis and nutrient absorption and prevents pathogenic entry, harmful metabolites, and endotoxin absorption. Recent advances have highlighted the association between severely damaged intestinal barriers and diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, and cardiovascular diseases. Evidence indicates that an abated intestinal barrier leads to endotoxemia associated with systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, diabetes, and lipid accumulation, accelerating obesity and fatty liver diseases. Nonetheless, the specific mechanism of intestinal barrier damage and the effective improvement of the intestinal barrier remain to be explored. Here, we discuss the crosstalk between changes in the intestinal barrier and metabolic disease. This paper also highlights how to improve the gut barrier from the perspective of natural medicine, gut microbiota remodeling, lifestyle interventions, and bariatric surgery. Finally, potential challenges and prospects for the regulation of the gut barrier-metabolic disease axis are discussed, which may provide theoretical guidance for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2022. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes convened a panel to update the previous consensus statements on the management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes in adults, published since 2006 and last updated in 2019. The target audience is the full spectrum of the professional healthcare team providing diabetes care in the USA and Europe. A systematic examination of publications since 2018 informed new recommendations. These include additional focus on social determinants of health, the healthcare system and physical activity behaviours including sleep. There is a greater emphasis on weight management as part of the holistic approach to diabetes management. The results of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes trials involving sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, including assessment of subgroups, inform broader recommendations for cardiorenal protection in people with diabetes at high risk of cardiorenal disease. After a summary listing of consensus recommendations, practical tips for implementation are provided.

Effect of exercise interventions for sleep quality in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Sleep disorder is a common and unpleasant symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), bringing a heavy burden on the patients and families. As a non-pharmacological therapy, exercise interventions are widely recommended for CKD patients. However, whether exercise can improve overall sleep quality in such a population remains ambiguous. The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on sleep quality in CKD patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to April 22, 2022. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) added an exercise intervention to conventional treatment/usual care to assess the effect on sleep quality in CKD patients. Two authors independently selected literature, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2, and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. The outcome was analyzed using a random-effect model using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method as a standardized mean difference (SMD). Additional statistical analysis includes the Egger regression test, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression.

RESULTS

Nineteen articles (20 RCTs) enrolling 989 patients with CKD were included. The pooled SMD suggested favorably associated exercise interventions (SMD - 0.16; 95% CI - 0.62 to 0.31; very low evidence) with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 87%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that SMD for sleep quality favored moderate intensity and aerobic exercise, no matter the time, but not statistically significant. Meta-regression showed that the effect size of exercise interventions on sleep quality was not associated with the total sample size, the proportion of males, duration of intervention, mean age, and exercise volume but was associated with baseline sleep scores. In addition, there may be an exercise threshold for the effect of exercise on sleep in CKD patients (i.e., 80 min/week).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that exercise interventions may be associated with improved sleep quality in patients with CKD. However, high heterogeneity and a small effect size limit this result. More studies and standardized reporting of exercise intervention characteristics should be conducted in the future to strengthen the most convincing evidence in this field.

Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes, 2022. A Consensus Report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes convened a panel to update the previous consensus statements on the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes in adults, published since 2006 and last updated in 2019. The target audience is the full spectrum of the professional health care team providing diabetes care in the U.S. and Europe. A systematic examination of publications since 2018 informed new recommendations. These include additional focus on social determinants of health, the health care system, and physical activity behaviors, including sleep. There is a greater emphasis on weight management as part of the holistic approach to diabetes management. The results of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes trials involving sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, including assessment of subgroups, inform broader recommendations for cardiorenal protection in people with diabetes at high risk of cardiorenal disease. After a summary listing of consensus recommendations, practical tips for implementation are provided.

Does Aerobic plus Machine-Assisted Resistance Training Improve Vascular Function in Type 2 Diabetes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials with Trial Sequential Analysis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and pancreatic B cell dysfunction. Hyperglycemia can cause several complications, including nephrological, neurological, ophthalmological, and vascular complications. Many modalities, such as medication, physical therapies, and exercise, are developed against vascular disorders. Among all exercise forms, aerobic plus machine-assisted resistance training is widely applied. However, whether this intervention can significantly improve vascular conditions remains controversial. In this study, an electronic search was processed for the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of aerobic plus machine-assisted resistance training with no exercise (control) on patients with T2DM. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), the index of arterial stiffness, was chosen as primary outcome. The reliability of the pooled outcome was tested by trial sequential analysis (TSA). Secondary outcomes included systolic blood pressure (SBP) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Finally, five RCTs with a total of 328 patients were included. Compared with control, aerobic plus machine-assisted resistance training failed to provide significant improvement on PWV (MD −0.54 m/s, 95% CI [−1.69, 0.60], p = 0.35). On the other hand, TSA indicated that this results till needs more verifications. Additionally, this training protocol did not significantly decrease SBP (MD −1.05 mmHg, 95% CI [−3.71, 1.61], p = 0.44), but significantly reduced the level of HbA1c (MD −0.55%, 95% CI [−0.88, −0.22], p = 0.001). In conclusion, this meta-analysis failed to detect a direct benefit of aerobic plus machine-assisted resistance training on vascular condition in T2DM population. Yet the improvement in HbA1c implied a potential of this training method in mitigating vascular damage. More studies are needed to verify the benefit.