Comparison of Substrate Oxidation and Energy Expenditure During Acute Aerobic Exercise With Moderate and High Intensity in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes and obesity are related to other metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, visceral obesity increase and metabolic syndrome with high danger of cardiovascular disease expansion. Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether in patients with type 2 diabetes, substrate oxidation and energy expenditure were affected by the type of intensity of acute aerobic exercise they were provided. Materials and Methods: Nine men with type 2 diabetes (Mean ± SD; age 52.6 ± 0.36 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) = 30.3 ± 2.4) and 9 obese control group (Mean ± SD; age 49.1 ± 1.4 years, BMI = 31.3 ± 1.8) were participated in this study. In the first session, anthropometric measurements, body composition and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) were measured in all subjects. In the next sessions, subjects completed two acute aerobic exercises on separate days in a crossover design. The two exercise trials performed at intensity of 60% and 80% VO2 peak after fasting for at least 10 hours. Means of volume of oxygen (VO2) and Volume of Carbon dioxide (VCO2) were calculated during 30 minutes for measuring the rates of fat oxidation, carbohydrate oxidation and energy expenditure at each intensity. Results: The results showed that substrate oxidation and energy expenditure were lower in the diabetic group (P < 0.05) compared to the control one. Also, the results revealed that carbohydrate oxidation and energy expenditure were statistically increased by providing high intensity rather than moderate intensity; however, fat oxidation was statistically increased by providing moderate intensity rather than high intensity (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, aerobic exercise at moderate intensity and proper time can be considered as a special treatment to prevent diabetes complications and related disorders, particularly obesity.