Abstract

Background and Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training on BDNF and insulin resistance in obese women with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods: The subjects of this quasi-experimental study included 20 women with type 2 diabetes (mean age 42.6 ± 3.8 years), who were selected purposively and conveniently and randomly divided into two groups of 10: aerobic training and control group. The aerobic exercise program in the present study consisted of 8 weeks (three one-hour sessions per week), which was carried out progressively to create better adaptation of the intensity of the exercises. 48 hours before and 48 hours after the last exercise session, blood samples were taken from the subjects of the two groups to evaluate the brain-derived neurotrophic index and insulin resistance. Data analysis was performed using the dependent t-test.

Results: The results showed that aerobic exercise caused a significant increase in the level of brain-derived neurotropic factor (P=0.001), and a significant decrease in the level of insulin resistance (P=0.001) in the exercise group.

Conclusion: Aerobic exercise increased BDNF and consequently reduced neurological complications in patients with type 2 diabetes

Keywords: Aerobic exercise, brain-derived neurotropic factor, insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes