Aerobic Exercise and Quality of Life for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Use of physical activity in the form of aerobic exercise is widespread, with a general consensus about its beneficial effects in patients with type 2 diabetes. The therapeutic benefits include regulation of body weight, reduction of insulin resistance, enhancement of insulin sensitivity, and glycemic control. However, despite its importance, the mode of prescription remains a matter of debate.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinical evaluation of the participants who engaged in the 8-week program showed some beneficial effects when combined with conventional routine care on metabolic parameters, as well as on quality of life in the participants.

Patients attending a diabetes clinic participated in this randomized control trial. They were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group by ballot. The intervention group, in addition to regular conventional treatment, received individually prescribed aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, at 50%-75% of maximum heart rate three times weekly. Main outcome measures included fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and a World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF). Data analysis involved paired and unpaired t-tests and mixed-design two-way analysis of variance.

Eighteen patients with type 2 diabetes and of mean age 46.22 ± 9.79 years participated in the study. Mean duration since onset of diabetes in the intervention and control groups was 4.44 ± 3.33 years and 3.92 ± 2.66 years, respectively. Both groups were similar for duration since onset, baseline physiological parameters, and quality of life.

Within-group comparison did not show any significant differences (P > 0.05) for HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein, or high-density lipoprotein. The intervention group improved significantly (P < 0.05) in their postexercise quality of life compared with baseline. Between-group comparison did not show any significant differences in physiological parameters or quality of life.

International Journal of General Medicine Oct 2011 Volume 2011:4 Pages 723 - 727