Table 4.
Influence of exercise training on glycemic variability.
| Author (publication date) | Study design | Primary findings | Conclusion | Strengths and limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes | ||||
| Mikus CR et al. (2012)70 | Clinical controlled trial; n = 13 7-day moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise training program |
Glucose concentrations and number of glucose excursions decreased over the final 3 days following the 7-day exercise training compared to 3 days of habitual activity. | 7 days of aerobic exercise training reduces postprandial glucose and glycemic control in free-living individuals with type 2 diabetes. |
Strengths: Controlled exercise setting Limitations: Small sample size; volume of exercise performed was above recommended guidelines |
| Kartstoft K et al. (2013)71 | Randomized clinical trial performed over 4 months (16 weeks); total n = 32; control group n = 8; continuous-walking group n = 12; interval-walking group n = 12 Habitual daily activity; continuous-walking; interval-walking group |
24-h mean, and minimum glucose concentrations increased in the control group, while 24-h mean, and maximum glucose concentrations decreased in the interval-walking group only. | Continuous-walking exercise may offset the deleterious effects of no exercise, while interval-walking exercise may superiorly improve measures of glucose concentrations in type 2 diabetic adults. |
Strengths: Extended exercise intervention; inclusion of a control group; applicable to a free-living condition for exercise and glucose control Limitations: Small sample size; limited to type 2diabetic adults |
| Francois ME et al. (2017)72 | Proof-of-concept, double-blind, randomized clinical trial; n = 53 3 days per week for 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT); resistance and aerobic-based exercised |
There was a significant decrease in glycemic control (HbA1c), as well as 24-h mean glucose concentration, SD of the 24-h mean glucose concentration, and MAGE. | Twelve weeks of low-volume HIIT improved glycemic control and glycemic variability. |
Strengths: Standardized 12-week HIIT exercise program Limitations: Older sample limited to type 2 diabetic adults; unable to account for participant characteristics differences |
Table 4 presents studies that provided information regarding the influence of exercise training on glycemic control and glycemic variability in type 2 diabetic adults. The table includes: 1) author information; 2) study design; 3) findings related to the alterations in glycemic control and glycemic variability; 4) conclusions derived from the findings on changes in glycemic control and glycemic variability; 5) strength and limitations of each study.
PPG = postprandial glucose; OGTT = oral glucose tolerance test; HIIT = high-intensity interval training; HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c; SD = standard deviation; MAGE = mean amplitude of glycemic excursions.