Endocrine Abstracts

In individuals living with type 2 diabetes, exercise is a method of improving body composition and glycaemic control. Studies have shown that aerobic and resistance training interventions decrease total and regional adiposity, including visceral fat, and reduce glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). There is, however, stark inter-individual variability in responses to training: some individuals display substantial improvements in body composition and glycaemic control, whilst others do not improve or even worsen. Efforts have consequently been made to highlight factors that predict changes in body composition and markers of glycaemic control during exercise training. Recent work indicates that non-exercise activity and eating-related behaviours are associated with total fat and visceral fat reductions during exercise, and there is evidence demonstrating that early variations in weight during training regimens predict long-term improvements in body composition. With regards to glycaemic control, less has been established, but there is evidence indicating that central adiposity, fitness, and certain medications are related to HbA1C changes during exercise training. Further work is needed to firmly elucidate factors associated with exercise-induced changes in body composition and glycaemic control. This will help refine interventions so individuals with type 2 diabetes can optimise improvements in health during exercise training.