Role of structured exercise therapy on cognitive markers and stress parameters in young patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients face cognitive impairments owing to neuronal dysfunction following constant oxidative stress. The influence of exercise therapy in the management of DM is widely recognized among the elderly. However, its role among young adults in India is not explored. This study aimed to assess the effect of structured exercise on cognitive markers and stress parameters in young DM patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This interventional study with a pre- and post-model was conducted among 48 newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients who were asymptomatic for cognitive dysfunctions. Glucose profile was recorded by commercially available kits. Cognitive function markers and stress parameters, namely, Tau Protein was estimated in plasma samples using enzyme-linked immunoassay Kit, nitric oxide (NO) by colorimetric method, Catalase and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay by the spectrophotometric method. Patients were trained for the structured exercise therapy as per the protocol and evaluated at the end of 6 months. The change in the quantitative parameters before and after the intervention was assessed by paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: The mean of Tau protein, catalase NO, and MDA showed significant statistical difference (P < 0.001) when compared from baseline to postintervention. However, the mean of fasting blood glucose (P = 0.8705), postprandial blood glucose (P = 0.8121), and glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.8121) reported insignificant values from baseline to postintervention.CONCLUSIONS: Integrated approach of structured exercise therapy has improved the cognitive functions and decreased oxidative stress.