[Modification of disordered glucose metabolism by physical training of low intensity]

The effect of a 4-week perseverance training on the blood glucose concentration was investigated in 48 male patients with cardiovascular diseases (average age 50.1 years), in whom a disturbed glucose tolerance and a type II diabetes mellitus, respectively, was existing. According to random criteria the patients were divided into a running, swimming, ergometer and control group. In the training groups the intensiveness of the load was 50-60% VO2 max, the daily duration 20 min with a frequency of 5 times a week. The glucose tolerance test was performed with an oral load of 75 g pure grape sugar before and after the training period. The results of the investigations prove that by means of these relatively low load intensities an amelioration of the glucose tolerance can effectively be achieved.