Aerobic exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving metabolic and hemodynamic profiles in type 2 diabetes.

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a global health concern associated with numerous complications. Aerobic exercise is recognized as a crucial non-pharmacological intervention for T2DM management, but its specific effects on key health parameters warrant further investigation.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured 8-week aerobic exercise program on fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and resting heart rate (RHR) in individuals with T2DM.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted with 100 participants diagnosed with T2DM. The intervention group (n = 50) underwent a supervised aerobic exercise program for eight weeks, while the control group (n = 50) received no structured exercise intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to measure FBG, HbA1c, BMI, BP, RHR, and VO₂ max were taken.
Results: The aerobic group exhibited a significant reduction in FBG, declining from 141 to 132 mg/dl. Correspondingly, HbA1c decreased from 7.93 to 7.15%. Additionally, the aerobic group demonstrated a notable decrease in RHR from 72 to 66 bpm, indicating improved cardiovascular fitness. Concurrently, VO2 max increased from 22 to 26 mL/kg/min, further supporting the enhancement of cardiorespiratory capacity. Trends toward improvement were also observed in SBP and DBP. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between various health parameters, highlighting the interconnectedness of these variables in T2DM management.
Conclusions: This study provides robust evidence supporting the benefits of aerobic exercise in individuals with T2DM. The improvements in glycemic control, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness underscore the importance of incorporating structured exercise programs into diabetes management protocols. The results emphasize the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into diabetes management strategies to optimize health outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
(© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.)