A structured, supervised exercise program effectively improves HbA1c levels and the cardiovascular risk profile of individuals with diabetes mellitus, a new study shows [1]. The exercise program, a twice-weekly, facility-based regimen that included aerobic exercise, resistance training, and counseling was significantly better at improving HbA1c levels and cardiovascular risk factors than a treatment regimen that only counseled physical activity.

The study, known as the Italian Diabetes and Exercise Study (IDES), included 606 patients enrolled in 22 outpatient diabetes clinics across Italy and randomized them to one of two treatment regimens. In the first treatment arm, patients were randomized to twice-a-week supervised aerobic and resistance training plus structured exercise counseling, with each supervised exercise session lasting 75 minutes. Patients in the second arm (control) received structured physical activity counseling by trained physicians every three months.

After 12 months, compared with the counseling group plus usual care, those undergoing supervised exercise training had significantly lower HbA1c levels—a significant 0.30% difference between the two groups at 12 months—as well as improved markers of cardiovascular risk, such as LDL- and HDL-cholesterol levels.

Read more: http://www.theheart.org/article/1033607.do