In a nutshell
This research reviewed several studies which evaluated the effects of supervised exercise on cholesterol and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Some background
Patients with T2DM have high blood sugar levels either because the body does not respond to insulin (insulin resistance), or because the pancreas does not make enough insulin. Insulin is needed so the body can use glucose as energy. In time, constantly elevated blood sugar levels cause heart, eye, kidney or nerve problems. Many patients with T2DM also develop other health problems such as obesity, high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure. Together, these conditions can increase the patients’ risk of T2DM complications. Basically there are 2 types of cholesterol: the "bad" kind (called low-density lipoprotein or LDL), which deposits in blood vessels, causing heart disease, and the "good" kind (called high-density lipoprotein or HDL), which protects against heart disease. Usually, T2DM patients have high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol.
Current guidelines recommend exercise and diet changes as first treatment for patients with T2DM. Various studies have investigated how exercise can benefit patients with T2DM. However, there is no general consensus which type of exercise is the best to control blood sugar levels, as well as cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Methods & findings
This review included 42 studies which involved a total of 2808 T2DM patients. Among these studies, 3 types of exercise were studied: aerobic exercise (also known as cardio), resistance exercise (strength training) and a combination of the two. Overall, supervised exercise was associated with a decrease in blood pressure levels. When taken separately, the combination of cardio and strength training had a more significant effect in decreasing blood pressure. Also, the combination of cardio and resistance exercise significantly increased HDL cholesterol levels and decreased LDL cholesterol levels. Supervised exercise also improved blood sugar control and helped T2DM patients lose weight.
The bottom line
In summary, supervised exercise like cardio and strength training was very effective in improving blood pressure control and cholesterol levels in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, exercise also led to weight loss and a better control of blood sugar levels.
What’s next?
Ask your doctor which type of exercise is more appropriate for your situation.
Published By :
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
Date :
Oct 29, 2012
