In a nutshell
This study examined whether exercise can improve the quality of life in type 2 diabetics.
Some background
Quality of life is based on physical, emotional and social characteristics. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have reported a lower quality of life compared to non-diabetic individuals. Previous studies have shown that exercise can improve quality of life. Exercise can also improve control of blood glucose levels. However, it is not known whether exercise improves quality of life in T2D adults who do not regularly perform exercise. It is also not known whether exercise improves the mental health component of quality of life.
The type of exercise may also affect quality of life. Resistance training is strength training to increase muscle size. Aerobic training is exercise that increases the heart rate. It is believed that resistance training may result in a greater improvement in physical functioning compared to aerobic exercise.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether exercise can improve the quality of life in T2D patients. This study involved 262 T2D patients. All participants recruited did not normally perform exercise.
Participants were divided into 4 groups. One group performed aerobic exercise for 9 months. Another group performed resistance training for 9 months. Another group performed both aerobic and resistance training for 9 months. The remaining group did not perform exercise. Participants completed surveys to assess their quality of life.
All three exercise programs improved quality of life compared to the non-exercise group. Participants who performed resistance training had the greatest improvements in body pain.
There was no difference in mental health improvements between the exercise and non-exercise groups. However, participants who performed both aerobic and resistance exercise had greater improvements in energy and mental health compared to the aerobic exercise group. Aerobic and resistance exercise improved energy more compared to the non-exercise group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that exercise improved quality of life in T2D patients. A combination of both aerobic and resistance exercise had the greater improvement.
The fine print
The participants included had a greater quality of life and well-managed diabetes. Therefore, different results may have been seen in participants with poorly controlled diabetes.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the importance of exercise in improving quality of life.
Published By :
Diabetes Care
Date :
Jun 11, 2013
