Effects of Life Style Modifications (Dietary and Exercise) on Insulin Resistance in Egyptian Men with Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is considered one of the most serious chronic conditions. Although IR usually starts silently (euglycemic state), it can seriously lead to impaired glucose tolerance and the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) with other debilitating complications. The current study was conducted for four months to test the application of healthy dietary modification and/or regular programmed exercise on 120 Egyptian male subjects with high blood glucose levels, high insulin levels, and high homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). They were assigned into 4 groups. The first group received no intervention (control). The second group received healthy dietary intervention. The third group received regular exercise program. The fourth group received both healthy dietary intervention and regular exercise program. Along with blood glucose and insulin levels; weight and triglycerides (TG) levels were also assessed. Compared to the control group, the results showed significant reduction (p˂0.05) in both fasting and postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels as represented by HOMA-IR along with significant reduction (p˂0.05) in the other metabolic parameters assessed during the study in both dietary intervention alone and exercise intervention alone groups. The reduction was more significant (p˂0.05) in the group that received both healthy dietary and regular exercise intervention. In conclusion; IR could be avoided if either healthy dietary modification and/or regular programmed exercise are adopted.