Exercise program for older patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: long-term effects on metabolic control and BMI.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is an important treatment for diabetes. In our study, we evaluated the acceptance of an exercise program and investigated the long-term effects of exercise on metabolic control and body mass index in older, insulin-treated type 2-diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 72 type 2 diabetic patients, aged >or=50 years, participated in an exercise program. At the beginning of the study and after 3 and 12 months, patients completed a questionnaire concerning current activity. Finally, the patients were divided into two groups: those with and without regular exercise. Metabolic control was compared in both groups. RESULTS: Even during the first workout, blood glucose levels fell. No patient suffered from severe hypoglycemia. Motivation for regular exercise increased from 33 to 77%, decreasing slightly to 65% at 12 months. The mean HbA 1c levels were similar in both groups. However, in the exercise group no weight gain was observed in contrast to 2.5% weight gain in the other group. Moreover, insulin requirements were considerably lower in the exercise group. CONCLUSION: The acceptance of regular exercise is also high in older patients with newly insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. Metabolic control was significantly improved in patients with and without regular exercise; however, in the exercise group, body weight did not increase and insulin requirements were significantly lower.