The effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on vascular function in type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine whether exercise training stimulates a generalized improvement in vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.


BACKGROUND
Exercise is often recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve physical conditioning and glycemic control. This study examined the effect of eight weeks of exercise training on conduit and resistance vessel function in patients with type 2 diabetes, using a randomized crossover design.


METHODS
Both resistance vessel endothelium-dependent and -independent functions were determined by forearm plethysmography and intrabrachial infusions of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively, in 16 patients with type 2 diabetes. Conduit vessel endothelial function was assessed in 15 of these patients using high-resolution ultrasound and flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery; glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) was used as an endothelium-independent dilator.


RESULTS
Flow-mediated dilation increased from 1.7 +/- 0.5% to 5.0 +/- 0.4% following training (p < 0.001). The forearm blood flow ratio to ACh was significantly improved (analysis of variance, p < 0.05). Responses to SNP and GTN were unchanged. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was enhanced in both conduit and resistance vessels.


CONCLUSIONS
If endothelial dysfunction is an integral component of the pathogenesis of vascular disease, as currently believed, this study supports the value of an exercise program in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Maiorana
A
A
Department of Human Movement and Exercise Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia.
O'Driscoll
G
G
Cheetham
C
C
Dembo
L
L
Stanton
K
K
Goodman
C
C
Taylor
R
R
Green
D
D
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology