Strength training is more effective than aerobic exercise for improving glycaemic control and body composition in people with normal-weight type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
An erratum to this article was published (Diabetologia, Aug 2024 ↗)
Authors' conclusion
In normal-weight type 2 diabetes, strength training was superior to aerobic training alone, while no significant difference was observed between strength training and combination training for HbA1c reduction. Increased lean mass relative to decreased fat mass was an independent predictor of reduction in HbA1c level.
Study context
- Population
- Adults aged 18–80 years with T2D, HbA1c 47.5–118.56 mmol/mol (6.5–13.0%) and BMI <25 kg/m² (normal-weight T2D); median age 59 years, 60% men, 83% Asiananalysed
- Participants
- 186 adults
- Comparison
- Strength training vs aerobic training vs combined training for 9 months
- STn = 63
- AERn = 58
- Combined (COMB)n = 65
- Primary endpoint
- Absolute change in HbA1c within and across the three groups
- Follow-up
- 3, 6 and 9 months
Methodological detailsparallel-group, stratified block randomisation, researchers and caregivers blinded; participants not blinded, Exercise interventions at community-based fitness centres
- Parallel-group
- Stratified block randomisation
- Researchers and caregivers blinded; participants not blinded
- Exercise interventions at community-based fitness centres
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Change in HbA1c
| Group | Value | P |
|---|---|---|
| ST | mean −0.44 (95% CI −0.78–-0.12) percentage points | p=0.002 |
| COMB | −0.35 percentage points | p=0.13 |
| AER | −0.24 percentage points | p=0.10 |
Value
STmean −0.44 (95% CI −0.78–-0.12) percentage points
COMB−0.35 percentage points
AER−0.24 percentage points
P
STp=0.002
COMBp=0.13
AERp=0.10
- ST vs AER: P = 0.01 — greater HbA1c improvement with ST
Secondary outcomes
Appendicular lean mass relative to fat mass
- Increased only in the ST group
- P = 0.0008
- Independent predictor of HbA1c change (beta coefficient)
- −7.16, p=0.01
Safety
- Adverse events possibly associated with exercise — COMB
- 1 events
Original publication
Strength training is more effective than aerobic exercise for improving glycaemic control and body composition in people with normal-weight type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial. Diabetologia. Published 26 July 2023. doi:10.
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