Acute effects of a single bout structured resistance and combined exercise on blood glucose profile during exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy adults: A randomized crossover study

Aims: The effects of postprandial resistance and combined exercise on blood glucose profiles, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes, remain unclear. Comprehending these responses may aid in diabetes management. Methods: Three trials were conducted: trial A examined aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise; trials B and C focused on three intensities of resistance and combined exercise. Participants including patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy adults completed a randomized crossover experiment with two arrangements of three interventions and continuous glucose monitoring. Blood glucose iAUC and slope were analyzed via repeated measures two-way ANOVA. Results: A total of 21 patients with type 2 diabetes (47.81±11.88 years) and 26 healthy adults (31.77±6.66 years) were assigned. In trials A–C, the main effect of subject group on iAUC/min was significant (p<0.001, p = 0.003, and p<0.001). The exercise in trial A (p = 0.006) and subject group in trial C (p = 0.005) significantly impacted the blood glucose slope. Conclusions: Resistance and combined exercise reduce postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients. Monitoring glucose before exercise may help prevent extreme events.