High-Intensity Resistance Training Improves Glycemic Control in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
- David W. Dunstan, PHD1,
- Robin M. Daly, PHD2,
- Neville Owen, PHD3,
- Damien Jolley, MSC2,
- Maximilian de Courten, MD1,
- Jonathan Shaw, MD1 and
- Paul Zimmet, PHD1
- 1International Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- 2School of Health Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
- 3School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Abstract
OBJECTIVE—To examine the effect of high-intensity progressive resistance training combined with moderate weight loss on glycemic control and body composition in older patients with type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Sedentary, overweight men and women with type 2 diabetes, aged 60–80 years (n = 36), were randomized to high-intensity progressive resistance training plus moderate weight loss (RT & WL group) or moderate weight loss plus a control program (WL group). Clinical and laboratory measurements were assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months.
RESULTS—HbA1c fell significantly more in RT & WL than WL at 3 months (0.6 ± 0.7 vs. 0.07 ± 0.8%, P < 0.05) and 6 months (1.2 ± 1.0 vs. 0.4 ± 0.8%, P < 0.05). Similar reductions in body weight (RT & WL 2.5 ± 2.9 vs. WL 3.1 ± 2.1 kg) and fat mass (RT & WL 2.4 ± 2.7 vs. WL 2.7 ± 2.5 kg) were observed after 6 months. In contrast, lean body mass (LBM) increased in the RT & WL group (0.5 ± 1.1 kg) and decreased in the WL group (0.4 ± 1.0) after 6 months (P < 0.05). There were no between-group differences for fasting glucose, insulin, serum lipids and lipoproteins, or resting blood pressure.
CONCLUSIONS—High-intensity progressive resistance training, in combination with moderate weight loss, was effective in improving glycemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes. Additional benefits of improved muscular strength and LBM identify high-intensity resistance training as a feasible and effective component in the management program for older patients with type 2 diabetes.
- 1-RM, one-repetition maximum strength
- HOMA, homeostasis model assessment
- LBM, lean body mass
- RT & WL group, high-intensity progressive resistance training plus moderate weight loss group
- WL group, moderate weight loss plus a control program group
Footnotes
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Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. David Dunstan, International Diabetes Institute, 250 Kooyong Rd., Caulfield, Victoria, Australia 3162. E-mail: ddunstan{at}idi.org.au.
Received for publication 26 May 2002 and accepted in revised from 12 July 2002.
A table elsewhere in this issue shows conventional and Système International (SI) units and conversion factors for many substances.
- DIABETES CARE
