A cross-sectional study of optimal exercise combinations for type 2 diabetes

AimThe currently recommended exercise methods for patients with diabetes require strict physical fitness and are not suitable for all diabetic patients. This study aims to explore the best exercise combination for diabetic patients and to provide scientific and practical personalized exercise guidance for diabetic patients.Subject and methodsBasic information about participants was obtained through questionnaires, physical measurements were performed, and fasting blood samples were collected. Polar area diagrams were used to analyze the relationship between different exercise habits and each index. The polar area graph showed the exercise duration with the best expected effect under a particular frequency and intensity. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to test whether there was a direct causal relationship between exercise and diabetes.ResultsPolar area diagrams showed that diabetes patients who engaged in moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise > 60 minutes five times per week had better health indicators. The polar area graph showed that low-intensity exercise once or twice a week required more than 30 minutes to achieve the desired effect. There was no significant difference in any indicators among elderly diabetic patients with different exercise intensities.ConclusionModerate- to vigorous-intensity exercise for more than 30 minutes five times a week was the most beneficial combination of exercise for diabetes. Low frequency needs to be matched with longer exercise time to achieve the desired effect at low intensity. The relationship between low frequency and long duration weakened when the exercise intensity increased. The levels of all indicators in elderly diabetic patients were unrelated to exercise intensity.