High-Intensity Resistance Training Improves Glycemic Control in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

High-Intensity Resistance Training Improves Glycemic Control in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes David W. Dunstan , PHD 1 , Robin M. Daly , PHD 2 , Neville Owen , PHD 3 , Damien Jolley , MSC 2 , Maximilian de Courten , MD 1 , Jonathan Shaw , MD 1 and Paul Zimmet , PHD 1 1 International Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia 2 School of Health Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia 3 School 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 —HbA 1c 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 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 2