Moderate Intensity Exercise and Postprandial Glucose Excursions in Diabetic Individuals

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity but the extent to which postprandial glucose is improved is not fully understood. Purpose: To examine the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in sedentary prediabetic or type II diabetic individuals compared to sedentary healthy individuals on postprandial glucose excursions. Methods: An exercise intervention group (EIG) and a control group (CG) completed pre- and posttests consisting of a 3-day analysis of postprandial glucose using a continuous glucose monitor. Subjects of the EIG (n = 6) were sedentary, diagnosed with either prediabetes or type II diabetes, and completed 8 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 30-45 min on 3-5 days/week. Subjects of the CG (n = 7) were sedentary healthy individuals which completed 8 weeks of nonintervention. Results: An independent samples t-test indicated no significant differences between groups from pre- to posttest in peak postprandial glucose excursions. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate moderate-intensity aerobic exercise performed for 30-45 min on 3-5 days/week is not effective in eliciting an overall change in postprandial glucose in sedentary prediabetic or type II diabetic individuals compared to sedentary healthy individuals.