Short term metabolic and cardiovascular effects induced by physical exercise in subjects with diabetes type 2

Aim. The increased prevalence of diabetes in industrialized countries, due to a change in life style, led the WHO to speak about a true "epidemic". Diabetes type 2 includes 90% of all cases of diabetes mellitus and is an important chapter in national health expenses. Sedentary habits and obesity are among the most important risk factors, while regular physical activity is a preventive and therapeutic factor. Several studies have shown that physical exercise, performed with controlled intensity and time, leads to a general improvement of this disease parameters. The aim of this study was to verify the cardiovascular and metabolic effects induced by short time physical exercise in subjects with diabetes mellitus type 2 and to evaluate the psychological effects. Methods. Eleven subjects, mean age 60 years, all suffering from overweight or obesity, and other pathologies such as arterial hypertension, high cholesterol and lipid levels and a strong insulin-resistance. Some controls have been carried out during single visits as well as before and after the whole period of the study. For each subject weight, height, waist and hip were measured. Moreover, the following examinations were carried out: electrocardiogram, complete urine test, blood test including urea, creatinine, hemochrome, glycemia at fast, glycate hemoglobin, chlorine, magnesium and potassium. The levels of type A and type B natriuretic peptides have been evaluated before and after each visit. Results. The qualitative analysis of the findings shows an improvement of the glycemic levels at rest (9 out of 11 <0.01) and a decrease of the glycate hemoglobin level (9 out of 11). The lipid profile, blood triglyceride and cholesterol did not show significant changes as well as tests carried out on urine, hemochrome and urea and creatinine levels. The statistical analysis did not point out a significant decrease of systolic and diastolic arterial pressure. Ten subjects out of 11 showed an improvement of the psychological condition and a positive influence to get a more active life style and a good management of the disease.