The Impact of Various Types of Exercise on Lipid Metabolism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Concurrent Overweight/Obesity: A Narrative Review

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity present substantial challenges to global public health, marked by their widespread prevalence and associated morbidities. The ensuing complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome, cancer, liver disease, and neurodegeneration, underscore the urgent need for effective preventive measures. Despite this, primary prevention of CVD in individuals with T2DM and obesity remains inadequate. Regular exercise emerges as a pivotal factor in ameliorating various cardiometabolic parameters, yet conflicting findings persist regarding the impact of exercise parameters (frequency, intensity, time, and type) on lipid homeostasis. Objectives. This review scrutinizes the effects of diverse exercise types and parameters on individuals with T2DM and concurrent obesity. A focus is placed on investigating the influence of exercise on conventional lipids, such as LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, total TC, and VLDL-C. The review briefly delves into the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced effects on lipids and lipoproteins. Methods. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Results. Regular exercise is instrumental in elevating HDL-C levels while reducing TG, TC, VLDL, and LDL-C concurrently. Exercise mitigates CVD risk, lowers BMI, and enhances insulin resistance, depending on exercise types, volume, intensity, frequency, and duration. Conclusion. Future research must delve into the dose-response effects of real-world exercise programs to guide tailored interventions. This comprehensive understanding should inform clinicians and practitioners, empowering them to prescribe personalized exercise regimens for individuals grappling with compromised metabolic health.