Endocrine Abstracts

We planned to research the effect of the regular exercise of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients on metabolic control, malondialdehyde (MDA) as the oxidative stress marker and on the quality of life. The study has been carried out 64 patients diagnosed with Type 2 DM for at least 6 months, without any microvascular/macrovascular complication for diabetes, using oral anti-diabetic agent with a HbA1c value of less than 9%. The 31 patients were asked to carry out aerobic exercise under supervision based on the American Diabetes Association recommendations, in 3 non-successive days for 150 min a week in 12 weeks. Both groups were given a diet. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), body mass index (BMI), waist/hip measurements were made in the beginning and in the end of the study. Venous blood samples were taken for HbA1c, insulin, lipid panel and MDA analysis and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality life questionnaire form was applied. All parameters within and between the groups were compared as a result of the 3-month-period. In the exercise group, there have been statistically significant reductions in the BMI (P=0.017) and MDA (P=0.046) levels in the measurement of SBP (P=0.027), DBP (P=0.042), waist circumference (P=0.01). There has been an increase in the tendency of statistical significance in the mental health sub score (P=0.06) of the SF-36 questionnaire form as well as increases in other sub scores including physical and mental scoring. In the control group, there has been a statistically significant decrease in the general health scores (P=0.006). In the end of the study, there has been a statistical increase in favour of the exercise group compared with the control group in the sub scores of general health (P=0.02) and mental health (P=0.03) as compared with the initial values. Twelve weeks aerobic exercise program for the type 2 diabetic patients has been effective in reducing the MDA level, which is the oxidative stress indicator. In the exercise group, there has not been any significant change in the metabolic parameters after the twelve weeks long aerobic exercise, however, there has been increases in favour of the general health and mental health scores of the quality of life when compared to the control group. In order to observe improvements in metabolic parameters, there is need for studies to be conducted with more patients for longer periods and including combined exercise programs.