A 4-week diet with exercise intervention had a better effect on blood glucose levels compared to diet only intervention in obese individuals with insulin resistance

Abstract

The majority of prediabetic people are overweight and weight loss is still the most effective treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of short-term exercise and/or diet on weight loss and clinical parameters in subjects with insulin resistance (IR). A total of 60 subjects (BMI≥25.0 kg/m2) were included in the study. Subjects divided into two groups as follows: diet only (DI, N.=27) and diet and exercise (DEI, N.=27). DI group received an energy restricted diet program, while DEI group received a diet combined with an exercise program for four weeks. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end. Total body weight (BW) loss was 2.3 kg (2.5%) in DI group and 3.0 kg (3.2%) in DEI group at the end of four weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels decreased significantly in DEI group (P=0.021). However, the reductions in FBG levels were mild and not statistically significant in DI group (P>0.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-c levels reduced in both groups, while triglyceride levels significantly decreased only in DI group (P<0.05). Short-term lifestyle interventions have beneficial effects on weight loss and clinical parameters associated with glucose control and lipid profile in subjects with IR. Even small changes in BW (loss of <5% of initial BW) have a positive impact on clinical parameters.