AIMS: To assess whether aerobic or resistance training has greater benefits in non-physically active men with a long lasting type 1 diabetes. The effects of exercise were evaluated in terms of diabetes control and risk factors for cardiovascular complications. METHODS: 21 male participants (mean age 37yrs, diabetes duration 23yrs, mean HbA1c 7.4%) randomly assigned to 2 groups: (1) aerobic training (n = 10) and (2) resistance training (n = 11). All subjects participated in 60-minute training sessions, either aerobic or resistance, twice a week for three months. At baseline and after 3 months Echocardiography, ECG and incremental exercise test, ECG and blood pressure monitoring, lipid profile, lactate and diabetes control parameters were assessed in all patients. RESULTS: Baseline HbA1c was 7.44% in aerobic group and 7.36% in resistance group (p = 0.84). After 3 months there was no significant change in HbA1c value in any exercise group but a non-statistically significant downward trend was seen particularly in aerobic exercise group (p = 0.07) versus the resistance group (p = 0.15). There was no significant difference in body mass, risk of hypoglycemia and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Both forms of exercise are safe in terms of glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with quite well-controlled type 1 diabetes without advanced late complications.
With permission from Excerpta Medica Inc.

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