A physical activity programme and its effects on insulin resistance and oxidative defense in obese male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of regular aerobic execise on glycaemic control, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk and oxidative stress-defense parameters in overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Changes from baseline to 3 and 6 months of aerobic exercise in total of 30 type 2 diabetics were assessed for physical activity index (PAI), fasting glycaemia (FG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), median blood glucose (MBG), insulin resistance (HOMA), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, the Ashwell Shape Chart Health Risk, SCORE risk, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, plasma and erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, sulphydryl groups and catalase (CAT) and were compared to the results of 30 healthy control subjects. Results: At baseline, significant differences were recorded between the control and diabetes group for FG (P < 0.001), HOMA (P < 0.001), SBP and DBP (P < 0.001), TG (P < 0.01), MDA(pl) (P < 0.01), CAT (P < 0.01) and SCORE risk (P < 0.001). Significant changes within the diabetes group were found for PAI (P < 0.05), FIG (P < 0.001), MBG (P < 0.05), HbA(1c) (P < 0.05), HOMA (P < 0.01), SBP and DBP (P < 0.001) from baseline to 3 months, as well as for FIG (P < 0.01), HOMA (P < 0.001), SBP and DBP (P < 0.05) from 3 to 6 months. Significant (P < 0.05) correlations were found for FG and PAI (R=0.432), as well as for HOMA and both HbA(1c) (R=0.412) and SCORE risk (R=-0.387) in the diabetes group. Conclusion: Regular aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on glycaemic control, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, oxidative stress-defense parameters in overweight and obese type 2 diabetics.