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Published on: December 1, 2023
Effect of Strength Training on Glycemic Control and Adiponectin in Diabetic Children
Renate Petschnig1, Thomas Wagner2, Armin Robubi3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Danube Hospital Vienna, AUSTRIA.
Insights
Supervised progressive resistance training for over 32 weeks significantly improved muscle strength, lowered HbA1C, and increased adiponectin in children with type 1 diabetes. This exercise regimen also reduced blood glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children presents challenges in managing metabolic control and associated complications.
- Progressive resistance training (PRT) is increasingly explored for its potential benefits in various pediatric populations.
- The long-term effects of isolated PRT on muscle strength, glycemic control, and adiponectin levels in T1DM remain an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a supervised, isolated progressive resistance training program exceeding 32 weeks on muscle strength, metabolic control (HbA1C), and adiponectin levels in children with T1DM.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of this specific training duration and modality in this pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A 32-week, isolated supervised progressive resistance training intervention was conducted.
- Twenty-one children with T1DM were randomized into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG).
- Muscle strength, HbA1C, and adiponectin were measured pre- and post-intervention. Daily behaviors and diet remained unchanged.
Main Results:
- The IG demonstrated significant increases in upper and lower limb strength (P < 0.05) compared to the CG.
- HbA1C levels significantly decreased in the IG after 32 weeks (P < 0.00), while increasing in the CG (P < 0.007).
- Adiponectin levels significantly increased in the IG (P < 0.000), with large effect sizes observed for strength, HbA1C, and adiponectin. Blood glucose reductions of 26.5% ± 4.4% were noted post-session, with no hypoglycemia.
Conclusions:
- Supervised progressive resistance training for at least 32 weeks is effective in significantly reducing HbA1C in children with T1DM.
- The exercise-induced increase in adiponectin suggests improved insulin sensitivity.
- This training modality is safe and beneficial for improving strength and metabolic profiles in pediatric T1DM.
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine the effect of isolated supervised progressive resistance training with duration of more than 32 wk on muscle strength, metabolic control and adiponectin.
Method:
Twenty-one children with type 1 diabetes mellitus were separated into an intervention group (IG) (n = 11 age 11.0 ± 0.8) and a control group (CG) (n = 10 age 11.30 ± 0.7) without training to control for the effect of progressive resistance training on muscle strength, hemoglobin (HbA)1C and adiponectin. All parameters were assessed before and after a period of 32 wk. No attempt was made to change diet and the daily behaviors during the study in both groups.
Results:
After a period of 32 wk, upper and lower limb strength increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the IG, whereas no changes occurred in the CG. In the IG, HbA1C decreased significantly after 32 wk but not after 17 wk (P < 0.00), whereas HbA1C increased in the CG (P < 0.007). Adiponectin increased significantly (P < 0.000) only in the IG. Self-monitored blood glucose levels, measured before and after each session, showed a significant reduction (P < 0.00) of 26.5% ± 4.4% after each session. Effect size (ES) for the strength training on limb strength was medium (d = 0.464 to d = 0.661), the ES for strength training on HbA1C (d = -1.292) and the ES for strength training on adiponectin (d = 1.34) was large. There was no hypoglycemia as the result of training.
Conclusions:
An isolated supervised progressive resistance training two times a week in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus must last at least 32 wk to get a significant decrease in blood glucose level HbA1C. In addition, exercise-induced increase in adiponectin improves insulin sensitivity.
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