A comparative study on the effects of aerobic exercise program and conventional oral therapy medications on non insulin dependent diabetic mellitus patients: a randomized single blind study

Background and objectives: This study investigated the effects of an 8 – week supervised circuit training program with moderate intensity on the fasting blood glucose level of NIDDM patients of sedentary lifestyle over conventional oral therapy medications. Method: 40 NIDDM patients aged 35-55 years volunteered for the study. Subjects were randomly assigned into exercise and diet group (n = 20) and conventional oral therapy group (n = 20). The exercise and diet group received 60 minutes of supervised circuit training thrice a week for 8 weeks along with a prescribed diet control. Subjects in the other group were only on conventional oral therapy medications. Measurements were taken on 1st, 30th, and 60th day which include fasting blood glucose level. Results: The results showed a very highly significant (p = 0.001) decrease in fasting blood glucose level. When both groups were compared the exercise and diet group was found to be more beneficial and effective than the conventional oral therapy medication group. Interpretation and conclusion: Both conventional oral therapy medication and exercise and diet groups can be used in management of NIDDM. However in this present study it is seen that exercise and diet is more beneficial and effective as compared with conventional oral therapy medication in reduction of glucose levels and thus, reducing the need of oral medications.