EFFECTS OF A SHORT-TERM CIRCUIT WEIGHT TRAINING-PROGRAM ON GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN NIDDM

This study assessed the effects of short-term circuit weight training (CWT) on glycaemic control in NIDDM. Twenty-seven untrained, sedentary subjects (mean age, 51) with NIDDM participated in an 8-week randomis ed, controlled study, involving either CWT 3 days/week (n = 15) or no formal exercise (control) (n = 12). All subjects performed regular sel f-blood glucose monitoring throughout. Fasting serum glucose and insul in were measured following a 12-h fast and during an oral glucose tole rance test (75 g) before and after 8 weeks. Twenty-one subjects comple ted the study (CWT, n = 11) (Control, n = 10). Strength for all exerci ses improved significantly after CWT. Pooled time-series analysis, usi ng a random effects model, revealed an overall decrease in self-monito red glucose levels with CWT compared to controls. Significant reductio ns from baseline values were observed in both the glucose (- 213 mmol l(-1) per 120 min, P < 0.05) and insulin (- 6130 pmol l(-1) per 120 mi n, P < 0.05) area under the curve following CWT relative to controls. After adjustment for body mass changes, the change in self-monitored g lucose levels and insulin area under the curve, but not glucose area u nder the curve, remained significant. Short-term CWT therefore may pro vide a practical exercise alternative in the lifestyle management of t his condition. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reser ved.