Effect of the type of exercise on lipid profile in menopausal women with type ۲ diabetes: An interventional study in Iranian women

Background: Type ۲ diabetes is a metabolic disease associated with a partial or absolute deficiency of insulin, hyperlipidemia, and impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The present study aimed to compare the effects of different types of exercises on lipid profiles in menopausal women with type ۲ diabetes. Methods: Fifty-six sedentary obese menopausal women with type ۲ diabetes were randomly divided into ۴ groups: aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, combined exercise, and a control group. Each group, except the control group, participated in their respective exercises for ۸ weeks. Blood samples were collected from the subjects before and ۴۸ hours after the training period. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired sample t tests, with a significance level set at P≤۰.۰۵. All calculations were performed using SPSS v. ۲۰. Results: Triglyceride levels significantly decreased in the aerobic exercise (P = ۰.۰۱۷) and combined exercise (P = ۰.۰۰۰۱) groups. Low-density lipoprotein levels significantly decreased in aerobic exercise (P = ۰.۰۳۴), resistance exercise (P = ۰.۰۰۳), and combined exercise groups (P = ۰.۰۰۹). Cholesterol levels significantly decreased in the aerobic exercise (P = ۰.۰۰۰۱), resistance exercise (P = ۰.۰۳۰), and combined exercise (P = ۰.۰۱) groups. Additionally, high-density lipoprotein levels significantly increased in the aerobic exercise (P = ۰.۰۴۱) and combined exercise (P = ۰.۰۰۲) groups. Conclusion: It appears that combined exercises, rather than resistance or endurance exercises alone, are a more appropriate intervention for improving lipid profiles in menopausal women with type ۲ diabetes.

Keywords:

Menopause , Diabetes Mellitus , Exercises , Cholesterol , Triglycerides , High-density lipoproteins