Short-term aerobic exercise improves clinical and metabolic parameters in male type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: Exercise has been reported to improve glycemic and lipidemic control in type 2 diabetes. However, there is no consensus on the type and duration of exercise that is necessary for glycemic and lipidemic control. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of short-term aerobic exercise on clinical and metabolic parameters in male type 2 diabetic patients in Kano, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Forty-six male participants (23 type 2 diabetics and 23 non-diabetics) were recruited using systematic random sampling. Baseline clinical and metabolic parameters (blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbAic), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c]) were measured using standard protocols. All the participants underwent 6 sessions of aerobic exercise made up of 3 sessions per week for 2 consecutive weeks using an Orbitrac cycle ergometer. All measurements were repeated at the end of the 2 weeks exercise period. The data were analyzed on IBM SPSS version 23.0. Paired t-test was used to compare mean values of preexercise and postexercise parameters and P = 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the diabetic and nondiabetic participants was 42 ± 11.84 and 30 ± 3.45 years, respectively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, FBG, HbAic, weight, and BMI were significantly reduced after exercise. Similarly, serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced. However, serum triglyceride and HDL-c were significantly increased after exercise. Conclusion: Short-term aerobic exercise improved clinical and metabolic parameters in type 2 male diabetics.