The effects of progressive resistance exercises on glucose tolerance in individuals with NIDDM

This study was conducted to determine if improvements in glucose tolerance could be demonstrated following an acute bout of progressive resistance exercises. Fourteen individuals, not currently weight training, were assigned to two groups using the guidelines established by the WHO for NIDDM and normal (CON), based on the results of a three hour 75 g (-1.2M) load oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Eight blood samples were collected during the OGTT and assayed for glucose, insulin, and C-peptide. Each subject from the NIDDM (n=7) and CON (n=7) groups participated in a familiarization period, including a IRM, with eight different Nautilus selectorized exercise machines utilizing both the upper and lower body. A 3 set x 10 repetition exercise protocol based on the IRM was conducted and followed 18 hours later by another OGTT. Two day diets were replicated from the prior OGTT. Analysis of variance failed to demonstrate significant differences in the total responses or at any specific sampling points from pre to postprotocol for glucose (p=0.53), C-peptide (p=0.07) or the C-peptide:insulin ratio (p=0.16) in either group. Blood insulin levels from pre to postprotocol were significantly reduced (p=0.001) by 24% and 22% for the NIDDM and CON groups, respectively. These data suggest that a single series of progressive resistance exercises improve insulin uptake by the tissues without augmenting glucose disposal.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.S.