Exercise in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: what are the benefits and how does it work?

Multicentre randomised controlled trial protocol comparing structured physical exercise programme (SPEP) and medication versus conventional care for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

Introduction

One of the most widespread non-communicable diseases in the world is type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, in addition to elevated blood pressure, and lipid disorders, for which physical activity and exercise programmes have shown a great impact on reducing cholesterol and glucose level. So, this study aims to generate a proper or Structured Physical Exercise Programme (SPEP) for the glycaemic control of people with T2DM.

Methods and analysis

The study will be a double-blinded, multicentre, randomised controlled trial where participants with T2DM will be enrolled from three Diabetic Centres in Bangladesh. All the participants will be allocated to experimental and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will receive 18 sessions/6 weeks of intervention with an additional 24-week follow-up. Warm-up exercises, stretching and aerobic exercise will be provided along with medication for experimental and conventional approaches will be provided in the control group. A glucometer will measure the primary outcome (capillary blood glucose level). The secondary outcomes (cardiorespiratory fitness, T2DM-related comorbidities and quality of life) will be measured by a 6-min walk-test, self-structured questionnaire and SF-36. All outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-test after 6 weeks and follow-up after 24 weeks.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2023/08/057032.

Cardiovascular Health in Black and Latino Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among U.S. adults has been rising annually, with a higher incidence rate in Black and Hispanic adults than in Whites. The American Heart Association (AHA) has defined cardiovascular health according to the achievement of seven health behaviors (smoking, body mass index [BMI], physical activity, diet) and health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose). Optimal cardiovascular health has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and awareness of this risk may influence healthy behaviors.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess cardiovascular health in a sample of Black and Hispanic adults (age: 18-40 years) with T2DM and explore the barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management and cardiovascular health.

METHODS

This was an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. The study staff recruited adults with T2DM for the quantitative data followed by qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants using maximum variation sampling. The seven indices of cardiovascular health as defined by the AHA's "Life's Simple 7" were assessed: health behaviors (smoking, BMI, physical activity, diet) and health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, A1C). Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore their results as well as the effects of the pandemic on diabetes self-management. Qualitative and quantitative data were integrated into the final analysis phase.

RESULTS

The majority of the sample was female, with 63% identifying as Black and 47% as Hispanic. The factor with the lowest achievement of ideal levels was BMI, followed by a healthy diet. Less than half achieved ideal levels of blood pressure or physical activity. Themes that emerged from the qualitative data included the impact of social support, the effects of the pandemic on their lives, and educating themselves about T2DM.

DISCUSSION

Achievement of ideal cardiovascular health factors varied, but the achievement of several health factors may be interrelated. Intervening on even one factor while providing social support may improve other areas of cardiovascular health in this population.

Aquatic Exercise on Brain Activity in Type 2 Diabetic: Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

A water-based physical exercise program is extremely important for the rehabilitation of type 2 diabetes. Little is known about its action on cerebral electrical activity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a water-based physical exercise protocol on electroencephalographic activity, blood glucose levels, and functional capacity, as well as their correlation, in type 2 diabetics.

METHODS

Study design: Randomized Clinical Trial. Forty volunteers were randomized into two groups: control (n = 20) and study (n = 20). A water-based physical exercise program comprising 50 min sessions was conducted three times a week for five weeks. Assessments were performed at the pre- and post-intervention and follow-up phases. The qualitative data were compared using the Mann-Whitney test and Chi-Square. Quantitative data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis, Independent t, and ANOVA mixed tests. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to correlate the data.

RESULTS

The data were similar when comparing the groups. Six-minute walk test data increased in the comparison between times (p = 0.01-PrexPos). EEG data decreased in comparison between times (prexfollow-up-p < 0.05), except AF3. EEG data decreased in the timexgroup comparison (prexfollow-up and postxfollow-up-p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The water-based exercise protocol maintained electroencephalographic activity, glucose levels, and functional capacity in people with type 2 diabetes, and there was no relationship between brain electrical activity and capillary blood glucose.

Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Responses to Combined Exercise Sessions of Different Intensities in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to verify the acute effects of blood pressure and blood glucose after two sessions of combined exercise sessions performed at two levels of intensity in trained individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

Eighteen individuals (66.22 ± 8.61 years) of both sexes (6 women/12 men) with cardiovascular risk factors performed two sessions of combined exercises at different levels of intensity: moderate (MOD) and high (HI). To control the intensity of the aerobic training, the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale was used. For the strength training, the maximum number of repetitions was carried out within a predetermined duration of sets. Blood pressure and blood glucose measurements were collected before and 20 minutes after the sessions. The data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations, α 5%.

RESULTS

Reductions were observed in systolic blood pressure (MOD - Δ = -4.95 mmHg; HI - Δ = -3.31 mmHg) and blood glucose (MOD - Δ = -16.06 mg/dL; HI - Δ = -29.45 mg/dL) after the two sessions, with no difference between sessions. Diastolic blood pressure did not change (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Combined exercises sessions of moderate or high intensity can promote an acute reduction in systolic blood pressure and glycemia in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.

Association between metformin and physical activity with glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes

Objective

To examine the combined association between metformin use and physical activity on HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design and Methods

Adults with type 2 diabetes from NHANES continuous survey (1999-2018, n = 6447) were classified as active and inactive based on self-reported engagement in moderate-to-vigorous or vigorous physical activity (MVPA or VigPA) and metformin use over the last month.

Results

There was a significant negative main effect of metformin usage on HbA1c levels, independent of whether individuals engaged in modest levels of MVPA or VigPA. Moreover, there was a higher prevalence of metformin users with a HbA1c < 6.5% than non-metformin users with no differences by activity status (36.1%-39.5% versus 24.9%-29.7%, respectively). There was a significantly lower HbA1c level (P = .007) and trend for a higher odds of having a HbA1c that achieved the clinical target of <7% (OR, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.0-1.4, P = .06) in the MVPA than non-MVPA group for only those not using metformin. For those using metformin, there was no difference in HbA1c levels by either MVPA or VigPA (both P > .05).

Conclusions

There appears to be independent benefits of metformin and regular physical activity on glucose control, but the impact of these two treatments are not necessarily additive. Based on this analyses, the benefit of physical activity on HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetes is likely more apparent in those not taking metformin, as compared to those who are.

Evaluation of walking exercise on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized cross-over controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Hyperglycemia is closely associated with the occurrence of diabetic complications, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical trials indicated that walking exercise could improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but it is difficult to draw definitive and reliable conclusions due to the small sample size and possible exaggerated efficacy of various individual clinical trials. Therefore, we will conduct systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence for the efficacy of walking on glycemic control.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library will be searched for this review. Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool will be applied to assess the risk of bias of included studies. A meta-analysis will be performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions by using RevMan 5.3 and STATA/SE 14.0 software. Subgroup analysis will be conducted to investigate the sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis will be performed to assess the reliability and stability of the meta-analysis. Publication bias and small-study effects will be evaluated by a funnel plot and Eggers test if there are at least 10 studies. Additionally, the quality of evidence for this review will be assessed by Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

RESULTS

This systematic review and meta-analysis will be to assess the efficacy of walking exercise on glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

We will provide strong evidence to determine whether walking can improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study is supposed to provide references for clinical trials and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study does not require ethical approval. The results of this review will be published in a peer reviewed journal.

INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY202090046.

Effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity exercise training on blood glucose response in patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

The blood glucose response to moderate-intensity exercise remains unclear for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In addition, little is known about determinants of blood glucose response to a 12-week moderate-intensity exercise training. Therefore, this study aimed to explore trends in blood glucose in response to a 12-week moderate-intensity exercise training in patients with T2DM and to explore the predictors of post-exercise blood glucose (PEBG) and exercise-induced glucose response (EIGR).

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted. Of the 66 participants with T2DM recruited from outpatient clinics of a medical center, 20 were eligible to enroll in a 12-week moderate-intensity exercise training. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 exercise times (morning, afternoon, or evening). Blood glucose were measured pre- and post-exercise. The EIGR was calculated by subtracting the PEBG from the before-exercise blood glucose (BEBG). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the trends and predictors of PEBG and EIGR.

RESULTS

The BEBG declined progressively (β = -1.69, P < .001); while the PEBG (β = -0.18, P = .08) remained stable over time during the 12-week exercise training. Higher BEBG predicted higher (β = 0.53, P < .001) PEBG. Higher baseline maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) contributed to a larger magnitude of EIGR; higher HgbA1c and BEBG predicted higher EIGR (β = 0.27, P = .02; β = 0.45, P < .001); afternoon or evening exercise predicted lower (β = -13.2, P = .04; β = -5.96, P = .005) EIGR than did morning exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

A 12-week moderate-intensity exercise training appears safe for patients with T2DM. Time of day for exercise, baseline VO2max, and baseline metabolic control may influence the impact of exercise for individuals with T2DM. These findings provide considerations for design of optimal exercise training for T2DM patients.

The Role of Aerobic Training Variables Progression on Glycemic Control of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: a Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Aerobic training (AT) improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the role of the progression of training variables remains unclear. The objective of this review was to analyze the effects of progressive AT (PAT) and non-progressive AT (NPAT) on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Data sources used were PubMed, Cochrane Central, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and LILACS. Studies that evaluated the effect of at least 12 weeks of PAT and NPAT compared to a control condition on HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetes patients were eligible for analysis. Two independent reviewers screened the search results, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated using the standardized mean difference in HbA1c levels between the intervention and control groups using a random-effect model.

RESULTS

Of 5848 articles retrieved, 24 randomized clinical trials (825 participants) were included. Among the included studies, 92% reported to have performed a randomization process, 8% presented allocation concealment, 21% reported blinding of outcome assessment, and 38% reported complete outcome data. AT reduced HbA1c levels by 0.65% (ES: - 1.037; 95% confidence interval [CI]: - 1.386, - 0.688; p < 0.001). The reduction in HbA1c induced by PAT was 0.84% (ES: - 1.478; 95% CI - 2.197, - 0.759; p < 0.001), and NPAT was 0.45% (ES: - 0.920; 95% CI - 1.329, - 0.512; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of the different forms of progression showed a reduction in HbA1c levels of 0.94% (ES: - 1.967; 95% CI - 3.783, - 0.151; p = 0.034) with progression in volume, 0.41% (ES: - 1.277; 95% CI - 2.499, - 0.056; p = 0.040) with progression in intensity, and 1.27% (ES: - 1.422; 95% CI - 2.544, - 0.300; p = 0.013) with progression in both volume and intensity. Subgroup analysis of the different modalities of AT showed a reduction of 0.69% (ES: - 1.078; 95% CI - 1.817, - 0.340; p = 0.004) with walking and/or running and of 1.12% (ES: - 2.614; 95% CI - 4.206, - 1.022; p = 0.001) with mixed protocols while progressive training was adopted. In non-progressive protocols, a significant HbA1c reduction was only found with walking and/or running (- 0.43%; ES: - 1.292; 95% CI - 1.856, - 0.72; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The effect of PAT on glycemic control was greater than that of NPAT, especially when volume and intensity were progressively incremented throughout the interventions.

Switching from glargine+insulin aspart to glargine+insulin aspart 30 before breakfast combined with exercise after dinner and dividing meals for the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients with poor glucose control - a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the switch from glargine+once daily insulin aspart (1 + 1 regimen) to glargine+insulin aspart 30 before breakfast combined with exercise and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with poorly controlled blood glucose levels.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with poorly controlled T2DM (n = 182) were switched from the 1 + 1 regimen to glargine+insulin aspart 30 before breakfast in combination with exercise after dinner and dividing meals in two (same final calories intake). The insulin doses were adjusted according to blood glucose levels within 4 weeks after the switch and maintained for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hpostprandial glucose (2hPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), daily insulin dose, and hypoglycemia events were assessed.

RESULTS

Sixteen weeks after the switch, 2 h PG levels and HbA1c levels (from 8.5 to 7.4%, P = 0.001) were improved. The proportions of patients reaching the HbA1c targets of 7.5% were improved (from 22.5 to 58.7%, P = 0.001). Among the 182 patients, 24 (13.2%) divided one meal into two meals, and 23 (12.6%) divided two meals into four meals. Among all patients, 8.5% had to reuse insulin aspart before dinner after the study. One patient with diarrhea and poor appetite experienced severe hypoglycemia. The rate of hypoglycemia was 3.76 events/patient-year. The daily insulin Aspart 30 dose was higher than the original insulin aspart dose (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with poorly controlled T2DM under the 1 + 1 regimen, switching to glargine+insulin aspart 30 before breakfast combined with exercise after dinner and dividing meals showed promising benefits.

Physical activity in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension--insights into motivations and barriers from the MOBILE study

Background

Although physical activity (PA) is key in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension, it is difficult to implement in practice.

Methods

Cross-sectional, observational study. Participating physicians were asked to recruit two active and four inactive patients, screened with the Ricci-Gagnon (RG) self-questionnaire (active if score ≥16). Patients subsequently completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The objective was to assess the achievement of individualized glycated hemoglobin and blood pressure goals (<140/90 mmHg) in the active vs inactive cohort, to explore the correlates for meeting both targets by multivariate analysis, and to examine the barriers and motivations to engage in PA.

Results

About 1,766 patients were analyzed. Active (n=628) vs inactive (n=1,138) patients were more often male, younger, less obese, had shorter durations of diabetes, fewer complications and other health issues, such as osteoarticular disorders (P<0.001 for all). Their diabetes and hypertension control was better and obtained despite a lower treatment burden. The biggest difference in PA between the active vs inactive patients was the percentage who declared engaging in regular leisure-type PA (97.9% vs 9.6%), also reflected in the percentage with vigorous activities in International Physical Activity Questionnaire (59.5% vs 9.6%). Target control was achieved by 33% of active and 19% of inactive patients (P<0.001). Active patients, those with fewer barriers to PA, with lower treatment burden, and with an active physician, were more likely to reach targets. The physician’s role emerged in the motivations (reassurance on health issues, training on hypoglycemia risk, and prescription/monitoring of the PA by the physician). A negative self-image was the highest ranked barrier for the inactive patients, followed by lack of support and medical concerns.

Conclusion

Physicians should consider PA prescription as seriously as any drug prescription, and take into account motivations and barriers to PA to tailor advice to patients’ specific needs and reduce their perceived constraints.

Electrical Myostimulation (EMS) Improves Glucose Metabolism and Oxygen Uptake in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients--Results from the EMS Study

AIMS

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exercise training is recommended to improve glycemic control. Electrical myostimulation (EMS) of skeletal muscles is a new method to increase exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EMS in T2DM on glucose metabolism, body composition, and exercise performance using a newly designed stimulation suit that involves trunk, leg, and arm muscles.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifteen individuals (nine males; 61.7±14.8 years old) were trained for 10 weeks twice weekly for 20 min with EMS. Effects on glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), oxygen consumption, and body composition were evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase of oxygen uptake at the aerobic threshold from 12.3±0.8 to 13.3±0.7 mL/kg/min (P=0.003) and of maximal work capacity from 96.9±6.4 to 101.4±7.9 W (P=0.046), with a concomitant trend for improved maximal oxygen uptake (from 14.5±0.9 to 14.7±0.9 mL/kg/min [P=0.059]). Fasting blood glucose level decreased from 164.0±12.5 to 133.4±9.9 mg/dL (P=0.001), and HbA(1c) level decreased from 7.7±0.3% to 7.2±0.3% (P=0.041), whereas mean total weight (from 101.5±4.0 to 103.1±4.3 kg) and proportion of body fat (from 38.8±3.2% to 40.3±3.4%) remained statistically unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

EMS can improve glucose metabolism and functional performance in T2DM patients. These data suggest that EMS might emerge as a novel additional therapeutic mode of exercise training and might help patients to overcome their sedentary lifestyle.

All-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk in U.S. adults with and without type 2 diabetes: Influence of physical activity, pharmacological treatment and glycemic control

AIMS

This study determined the joint association between physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and HbA1c control on all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk in adults with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

12,060 adults from NHANES III and NHANES continuous (1999-2002) surveys were used. Cox proportional hazards analyses were included to estimate mortality risk according to physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and glycemic control (HbA1c <7.0%) status, with physically active, treated and controlled (goal situation) as the referent.

RESULTS

Compared to the referent, adults with T2D who were uncontrolled, or controlled but physically inactive had a higher all-cause mortality risk (p<0.05). Compared to the referent, only adults with T2D who were physically inactive had a higher CVD mortality risk, regardless of treatment or control status (p<0.05). Normoglycemic adults had a similar all-cause and CVD mortality risk as the referent (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity and glycemic control are both associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality risk in adults with T2D. Adults with T2D who are physically active, pharmacologically treated, and obtain glycemic control may attain similar mortality risk as normoglycemic adults.

Patient assessment of chronic illness care, glycemic control and the utilization of community health care among the patients with type 2 diabetes in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care in community health centers and self-management behaviors and glycemic control and to examine the relationship between Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care in community health centers and the utilization of community health centers for monitoring and treating diabetes among the patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A questionnaire including self-management behaviors, glycemic control, Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care in community health centers and the most often utilized medical institutions for monitoring and treating diabetes (community health centers vs. hospitals) was administered to 960 patients with type 2 diabetes in Shanghai, China. The relationships between Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and self-management behaviors, self-management behaviors and glycemic control, Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and glycemic control, Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and the most often utilized medical institutions for monitoring and treating diabetes were examined.

RESULTS

Wilcoxon rank sum tests showed that the high scores of total Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and five subscales in community health centers were positively related to almost all the proper self-management behaviors and good glycemic control (p<0.05). Almost all of the proper self-management behaviors were positively related to good glycemic control (p<0.01). High summary score of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care was positively associated with the utilization of community health centers for monitoring and treating diabetes (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (implementation of the Chronic Care Model) in community health centers was associated with patients' self-management behaviors and glycemic control, and finally was associated with the utilization of community health centers for monitoring and treating diabetes.

Exercising the worry away: how inflammation, oxidative and nitrogen stress mediates the beneficial effect of physical activity on anxiety disorder symptoms and behaviours

Regular physical activity exerts positive effects on anxiety disorder symptoms, although the biological mechanisms underpinning this effect are incompletely understood. Numerous lines of evidence support inflammation and oxidative and nitrogen stress (O&NS) as important in the pathogenesis of mood and anxiety disorders, and physical activity is known to influence these same pathways. This paper reviews the inter-relationships between anxiety disorders, physical activity and inflammation and O&NS, to explore whether modulation of inflammation and O&NS may in part underpin the positive effect of physical activity on anxiety disorders. Numerous studies support the notion that physical activity operates as an anti-inflammatory and anti-O&NS agent which potentially exerts positive effects on neuroplasticity, the expression of neurotrophins and normal neuronal functions. These effects may therefore influence the expression and evolution of anxiety disorders. Further exploration of this area may elicit a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, and inform the development of integrated programmes including PA specifically suited to the treatment and prevention of anxiety disorders and symptoms.

Exploring the variability in acute glycemic responses to exercise in type 2 diabetes

AIM

To explore the factors associated with exercise-induced acute capillary glucose (CapBG) changes in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Fifteen individuals with T2D were randomly assigned to energy-matched high intensity interval exercise (HI-IE) and moderate intensity continuous exercise (MI-CE) interventions and performed a designated exercise protocol 5 days per week for 12 weeks. The duration of exercise progressed from 30 to 60 minutes. CapBG was measured immediately before and after each exercise session. Timing of food and antihyperglycemic medication intake prior to exercise was recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, the mean CapBG was lowered by 1.9 mmol/L (P < 0.001) with the change ranging from -8.9 to +2.7 mmol/L. Preexercise CapBG (44%; P < 0.001), medication (5%; P < 0.001), food intake (4%; P = 0.043), exercise duration (5%; P < 0.001), and exercise intensity (1%; P = 0.007) were all associated with CapBG changes, explaining 59% of the variability.

CONCLUSION

The greater reduction in CapBG seen in individuals with higher preexercise CapBG may suggest the importance of exercise in the population with elevated glycemia. Lower blood glucose can be achieved with moderate intensity exercise, but prolonging exercise duration and/or including brief bouts of intense exercise accentuate the reduction, which can further be magnified by performing exercise after meals and antihyperglycemic medication. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrial.gov NCT01144078.