Resistance Training Improves Insulin Sensitivity in NIDDM Subjects Without Altering Maximal Oxygen Uptake

To examine the effect of resistance training on insulin sensitivity in nonobese NIDDM patients.

Previously sedentary nonobese NIDDM patients were enrolled in a resistance training group (RT; n = 9) or used as sedentary control subjects (SED; n = 8). SED subjects did not perform exercise training because of orthopedic disorders. The training program consisted of two sets of nine exercises with 10–20 repetitions. Subjects trained five times a week for 4–6 weeks. Insulin sensitivity, as assessed by the hyper-insulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique, HbA_Ic, and body composition, was measured before and after the training period. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and quadriceps strength were measured in the RT group.

The two groups did not differ significantly on any variables before participation in the program. The glucose disposal rate during the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp increased 48% in the RT group (6.85 ± 1.86 to 10.12 ± 3.15 mg · kg⁻¹ lean body mass · min⁻¹; P < 0.05), but remained unchanged in the SED group (5.95 ± 1.63 to 6.36 ± 1.61 mg · kg⁻¹ lean body mass · min⁻¹). There was no significant change in body composition in either group. In the RT group, a 16% increase in quadriceps strength (191.1 ± 45.8 to 216.9 ± 42.8 Nm; P < 0.05) but no significant change (27.6 ± 5.0 to 28.6 ± 6.5 ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹) in VO_2max was observed.

Moderate-intensity, high-volume resistance training improves insulin sensitivity in nonobese NIDDM without altering VO_2max.