Aerobic training reduces pancreatic fat content and improves β‐cell function: A randomized controlled trial using IDEAL‐IQ magnetic resonance imaging. Issue 4 (2nd February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Min; Zheng, Qidong; Miller, Joshua D.; Zuo, Panpan; Yuan, Xiaodan; Feng, Jitao; Liu, Chao; Bao, Shan; Lou, Qingqing
• Is Part Of: Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews. Volume 38:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-02-02
• Subjects: β‐cell function -- aerobic training -- pancreatic fat content -- type 2 diabetes mellitus; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; 616.642
• DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3516
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1520-7552

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To explore the effects of six months of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise on pancreatic fat content and its impact on β‐cell function. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to either a moderate‐intensity aerobic training group (three times a week, including 5 min warm‐up, 50 min aerobic dancing, and 5 min relaxation, n = 53) or control group ( n = 53) with 6‐month intervention. The primary endpoint was change in pancreatic fat content. An intention‐to‐treat analysis was conducted. Results: Eighty‐six patients completed the study with 43 patients in the aerobic training group. The average age, HbA1c, and pancreatic fat content for all participants (106 patients) were 66.39 ± 5.59 years, 7.05 ± 1.24%, and 10.35 ± 9.20%, respectively. Nearly half (49.06%) of patients were males. Subjects in the aerobic training group saw a significant reduction in pancreatic fat content when compared to controls ( p = 0.001). In logistic regression models containing age, diabetes duration, change in BMI, smoking/drinking status, changes in lipid indices, and other abdominal fat content, only reduction in pancreatic fat content ( p < 0.05) was an independent protective factor for β‐cell function and HbA1c. Conclusions: Six months of moderate‐intensity aerobic training significantly reduced the pancreatic fat content. The reduction of pancreatic fat content was an independent protective factor for β‐cell function and HbA1c.