Effects of different exercise intensity on quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of different exercise intensity on quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods Eighty four patients with type 2 diabetes were selected since July 2013 to November 2014, and were divided into 2 groups by sequence number: group A and B. Assessments of quality of life were conducted with the MOS 36 item short form health survey(SF-36) in all patients. Heart rate corresponding to 40%-60% of maximum oxygen consumption was set as target heart rate. Group A and B exercised half an hour and one hour a day respectively. The changes of metabolic indices, body fat percentage and quality of life in the two groups after 12 weeks of exercise were recorded and compared between the two groups. The enumeration data were compared with χ2 test between the two groups. Results Total of 43 cases (23 males and 20 females) and 41 patients(27 males and 14 females) were enrolled in group A and group B respectively; and 39 cases(21 males and 18 females) and 37 cases(25 males and 12 females) finished the study in the two groups respectively. There was no significant differences in all the baseline indexes between the two groups. Compared with those before exercise, waist circumference in all the subjects and in males and females in group A reduced significantly after exercise for 12 weeks(in all: (91±9) vs (87±8) cm, in male: (93±8) vs (88±6) cm, in female:(90±10) vs (85±9) cm, t=4.454, 2.232, 4.430, all P< 0.05). In group B, the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C) increased significantly after exercise (t=- 2.470, P<0.05). Compared with those before exercise, the general health, vitality and mental health in quality of life in group A increased significantly after 12 weeks of exercise (t=-5.475, -3.897, - 5.241, all P<0.05). Physical function, general health, vitality and mental health of group B after exercise improved significantly too(t=- 2.073, - 3.506, - 3.777, - 3.215, all P<0.05). After 12 weeks of exercise, no statistical difference was found in blood glucose, blood lipid and quality of life score between group A and group B on the analysis of covariance. Waist circumference and body fat percentage of group A reduced significantly when compared with group B after the study(F=544.982, 545.049, P<0.05). Conclusions Taking exercise at least half an hour a day can improve obdominal obesity and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in terms of general health,vitality and mental health. One hour of exercise a day can increase the serum level of HDL-C in those patients. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Exercise therapy; Quality of life