Effect of Strength Training on Glycemic Control and Adiponectin in Diabetic Children.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of isolated supervised progressive resistance training with duration of more than 32 weeks on muscle strength, metabolic control and adiponectin. METHOD: Twenty one children with Type 1 DM diabetes were separated into an intervention group (IG n = 11 age 11.0+/- 0.8) and a control group (CG n = 10 age 11.30 +/- 0.7) without training to control for the effect of progressive resistance training on muscle strength, HbA1C and adiponectin. All parameters were assessed before and after a period of 32 weeks. No attempt was made to change diet and the daily behaviors during the study in both groups. RESULTS: After a period of 32 weeks, upper and lower limb strength increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the IG, while no changes occurred in the CG. In the IG HbA1C decreased significantly after 32 weeks but not after 17 weeks (p<0.00) while HbA1C increased in the CG (p<0.007). Adiponectin increased significantly (p<0.000) only in the IG. Self-monitored blood glucose levels, measured before and after each session, showed a significant reduction (p<0.00) of 26.5+/-4.4% after each session. Effect Size (ES) for the strength training on limb strength was medium (d=0.464 to d=0.661), the ES for strength training on HbA1C (d= -1.292) and the ES for strength training on adiponectin (d=1.34) was large. There was no hypoglycemia as the result of training. CONCLUSION: An isolated supervised progressive resistance training two times a week in children with Type 1 DM must last at least 32 weeks to get a significant decrease in blood glucose level HbA1C. In addition exercise-induced increase in adiponectin improves insulin sensitivity.