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 to 80 years (n = 36), were randomized to high-intensity progressive resistance training plus moderate weight loss (RT and 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 and WL than WL at 3 months (0.6 +/- 0.7 versus 0.07 +/- 0.8%, p < 0.05) and 6 months (1.2 +/- 1.0 versus 0.4 +/- 0.8%, p < 0.05). Similar reductions in body weight (RT and WL 2.5 +/- 2.9 versus WL 3.1 +/- 2.1 kg) and fat mass (RT and WL 2.4 +/- 2.7 versus WL 2.7 +/- 2.5 kg) were observed after 6 months. In contrast, lean body mass (LBM) increased in the RT and 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.
Copyright American Diabetes Association. Reprinted with permission from The American Diabetes Association.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher