Abstract P146: Strength Training Effectiveness in Normal-Weight Type 2 Diabetes Amongst Asian Americans

Abstract

Introduction: Normal weight type-2 diabetes (NWD), characterized by body mass index (BMI) below 25 kg/m 2 , is more prevalent amongst Asian Americans (AA). While recent studies have shown strength training (ST) was superior to aerobic (AER) or combination training (COMB) in lowering HbA1c levels in individuals with NWD, it is unclear if these exercises have the same effects across AA subgroups, which differentiate due to cultural norms. Methods: We used data from a 9-month randomized control trial for NWD (conducted in San Francisco Bay Area in 2019-2020) to evaluate the effectiveness of weekly planned ST, AER, and COMB training sessions for Chinese and Asian Indian populations. Our primary outcome was change in diabetic control (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition (e.g. fat and lean mass) and muscle strength (e.g. leg extension).We performed intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analysis (PP, restricted to those with 50% minimum adherence) to evaluate changes to HbA1c and body composition using repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-tests. Results: Of 129 participants, 59 were Chinese (19 ST, 20 AER, 20 COMB), and 70 were Asian Indian (26 ST, 20 AER, 24 COMB). Average baseline HbA1c was 7.5% for both groups (p=0.96). Chinese participants (77.3%) showed higher adherence than Asian Indian (56.6%) participants. Chinese participants showed reduced HbA1c for each intervention group (ITT: ST -0.42% [-0.742, -0.11], AER -0.6% [-0.92 -0.28], and COMB -0.13% [-0.43, 0.17], all p < 0.05), with AER intervention yielding the largest decrease (p<0.01). Results from PP provided a similar conclusion. Asian Indians had no meaningful reductions in HbA1c levels ( ITT: ST -0.36% [-0.83, -0.11], AER 0.26% [-0.27, 0.78], and COMB -0.42% [-0.97, 0.13]. For body composition, Chinese participants showed significantly reduced FMI-Z (ST: -1.03 [-1.94, -0.12], AER: -0.17 [-0.31, -0.04], COMB: -0.17 [-0.23, -0.10]) in all intervention groups. Asian Indian participants only showed significant reduction in FMI-Z (fat mass adjusted for height, age, sex) in the ST group -0.22 [-0.40, -0.03]. Body composition changes were associated with improvement in HbA1c. Conclusion: Overall, AA persons in over 50% of prescribed exercise improved their diabetic control. In Chinese participants, all interventions lowered HbA1c with higher reductions observed in ST and AER interventions. They also experienced significant reductions in fat mass in all exercise interventions. Asian Indian participants showed no significant reductions in HbA1c in any exercise intervention, but showed significant reductions in fat mass in ST. By recognizing unique cultural and social factors that influence AA behaviors and choices, healthcare professionals can develop tailored interventions that foster cultural understanding, thus empowering individuals to take control of their health and reduce the burden of diabetes.