The effect of 24 weeks of resistance training on lipid profile, HBA1c, and insulin resistance in middle-aged women with type 1 diabetes

Exercise training has been associated with health outcomes in diabetes, but the effect of long-term resistance training on HBA1c is largely unknown. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of resistance training on lipid profile, HBA1c, and insulin in women with type 1 diabetes

In this semi-experimental study, 20 women (n =10, with an average age of 54.50 ± 8.16 years, a height of 158.16 ± 5.36 cm) were randomly assigned into two control and experimental groups. A pre-test of the desired indicators (weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, fat percentage, fasting blood sugar, and glycosylated hemoglobin level) was performed for both groups. The experimental group performed a circuit resistance activity course (12 stations, 4 rounds, three days a week for 24 weeks). At the end of this period, the desired indicators were evaluated again as a post-test. To interpret the data, analysis of covariance (ANCOA) was used, considering the pre-test as a covariate.

Resistance training for 24 weeks reduced LDL level (P = 0.001), TG (P = 0.001), BF (P = 0.002), WHR (P = 0.033), FBS (P = 0.001), HBA1c (P = 0.001), Insulin (P = 0.001), HOMA-IR (P = 0.001), and increased VO2max (P = 0.001) and average HDL-C (P = 0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in average BMI (P = 0.129), TG (P = 0.073), and Waist circumstance (P = 0.195) in the control and experimental groups.

Based on the results of the present study, long-term resistance training improves lipid profile, HBA1c, and insulin levels in middle-aged women with type 1 diabetes.