Evaluation of the effects of exercise on insulin sensitivity in Arabian and Swedish women with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise on cardio-respiratory fitness and insulin sensitivity in sedentary, overweight Arabian and Swedish women with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
Eighteen Arabian and 14 Swedish women participated in a supervised 6-month resistance training and aerobic program of moderate intensity. Insulin sensitivity and VO(2max) were measured at entry to the study and after 3 and 6 months training.


RESULTS
After 6 months exercise, insulin sensitivity (M-value) increased (2.7+/-1.4 mg kg(-1) min(-1) vs. 3.4+/-2 mg kg(-1) min(-1), p<0.05) in all patients and accounted for by an increase in non-oxidative glucose metabolism (0.3+/-1.1 mg kg(-1) min(-1) vs. 1.5+/-1.5 mg kg(-1) min(-1), p<0.005) with no significant difference between the ethnic groups. Notably, significant improvement in HbA1c was only seen in the Swedish patients who achieved greater exercise intensity (73.3+/-4.8% vs. 63.3+/-5.2% of maximum heart rate, p<0.005). No changes were observed regarding VO(2max) or lipid profile in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a 6-month exercise intervention of moderate intensity in Arabian and Swedish patients with type 2 diabetes can improve insulin sensitivity it is hampered by the metabolic inflexibility of switching between oxidation of glucose or fat.
Glans
F
F
Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital UMAS, Lund University, Sweden. forouzan.glans@med.lu.se
Eriksson
K-F
KF
Segerström
A
A
Thorsson
O
O
Wollmer
P
P
Groop
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000453:epidemiology; D018912:Arabs; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015309:Glucose Clamp Technique; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D013548:Sweden; D016138:Walking
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin