Chronic effect of aerobic exercise on anthropometric, biochemical and hemodynamic variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

Antidiabetic Effects of Physical Activity: How It Helps to Control Type 2 Diabetes

Despite the improvements in clinical care of the patients, research updates, and public health interventions, there is still an increase in the prevalence, incidence, and mortality because of diabetes mellitus (DM). DM is a public health problem in both developed and developing countries. It has increased alarmingly, putting this disease in the dimension of an epidemic. Diabetes is associated with several complications which increase the risk of many serious health problems on the other side. Therefore, this review was aimed to discuss the antidiabetic effects of physical activity (PA) on type 2 DM (T2DM) by summarizing the significant studies on this topic. This review found that several studies have recommended the utilization of PA for the effective management of T2DM. PA is a non-pharmacologic therapy which is a significant strategy for the management of T2DM and is an appropriate lifestyle modification approach to be practiced by these patients. The studies showed that PA has antidiabetic effects which are evidenced by its substantial role in improving the blood glucose (BG) levels of the individuals with T2DM where it helps them to control their levels of glucose in the blood. It plays a significant role in glycemic control of this disease by lowering the BG levels through possible mechanisms such as decreasing insulin resistance, increasing production of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4), lowering visceral adipose tissue (VAT), increasing pancreatic β-cell functions, using glucose for energy, and so on. In turn, the controlled glycemia helps to prevent the complications associated with uncontrolled T2DM and this would further improve the overall health of the patients and the burden on the health professionals as well. Finally, this review concludes that PA is the cornerstone in the management of T2DM. It also suggests that more attention is needed to its significance in the prevention, glycemic control, and its role in the management of the morbidity and mortality associated with T2DM. Practical PA recommendations and suggestions for the future direction of research in this area are also provided.

High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

High-intensity exercise may beneficially impact on insulin sensitivity. However, there is still uncertainty on the actual impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on chronic physiologic adaptations among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to systematically search and appraise the evidence base on the effects of HIIT in comparison to mild- or moderate-intensity interval training (MMIIT) on glycemic control inT2DM.

RECENT FINDINGS

A total of 5 RCT met the inclusion criteria. Most studies presented significant differences for weight and BMI with HIIT, and with both interventions for total body fat. For the other health-related variables (systolic and diastolic BP, fasting cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and HbAc1), only 1 study provided detailed results for HIIT, showing significant differences for systolic BP and HDL cholesterol in 2 studies, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, whereas for MIIT, only 1 study brought significant differences for LDL cholesterol. For glucose levels, significant differences were reported in 4 studies for both HIIT and MMIT, but only two studies used the percentage delta assessment tool, whereas 1 study only showed significant improvements for HIIT. The number of studies for the analysis is not precise as to the statements regarding the results of the intervention proposed for this public, since they do not allow identifying a consistency of the findings, not presenting diversity between the training methods and the different methods of volume control and intensity of training.