Comparing the Effects of Six‐Month Aerobic Exercise and Resistance Training on Metabolic Control and Beta Cell Function in Chinese Patients with Prediabetes: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

AIMS:

It is clear that aerobic training (AT) can delay pancreatic exhaustion and slow the progression from prediabetes to T2DM, but there is little information about the effects of resistance training (RT) on people with prediabetes. To compare the effectiveness of RT and AT in improvement of metabolic control and beta cell function protection among people with prediabetes.

METHODS:

248 participants with prediabetes were randomized to three groups-AT (n=83), RT (n=82) and control (n=83). RT consisted of 13 different resistance exercises per session using elastic string. AT performed aerobic dance at 60~70% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). Both exercises were performed 6 months and 3 times/week. The improvement of metabolic control was the primary outcome and second outcomes were HOMA2-β and HOMA2-IR. Longitudinal changes between groups were tested with repeated-measures analysis.

RESULTS:

217 out of 248 participants finished the study, but all participants were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. There was no statistical difference in demographic characteristic (P > 0.05). The average HbA1c in three groups was 5.98, 5.92 and 5.95, respectively. Within-group analyses showed that fasting blood glucose (FBG), HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-β decreased in RT group, whereas FBG and HbA1c decreased significantly in AT group. Change in HbA1c was not significantly greater in RT cohort than in AT cohort (P = 0.059), but the decrease in HbA1c in both exercise groups were higher than in control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Resistance training appears to improve metabolic control and preserve beta cell function comparable to aerobic training in participants with prediabetes.