BMI, β-cell function predict response to exercise in older prediabetics

Among older adults with prediabetes, glycated haemoglobin levels (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and β-cell function appear to be significantly associated with response to exercise.

Researchers conducted a retrospective subgroup analysis of a previously published clinical trial. The present analysis included 113 older prediabetic patients who had completed 2 years of an exercise intervention: 56 had been assigned to aerobic exercise while 57 underwent resistance training. β-cell function was measured using the homeostatic model 2 assessment of b-cell function (HOMA2-β).

Metabolic parameters were significantly changed in both exercise groups vs controls after 24 months of intervention, including fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c (p<0.001 for both), and 2-hour postprandial glucose (p=0.047). No such differences were reported between the two intervention arms.

Similarly, HOMA-2β (p<0.001), insulin resistance (p<0.045), BMI, blood pressure, and lipid profile (p<0.05 for all) improved significantly in both exercise arms vs controls after 24 months.

Logistic multiple regression analysis revealed that baseline HbA1c (β, 3.301; p=0.007), BMI (β, 0.402; p=0.012), and HOMA2-β (β, –0.143; p=0.039) were significantly correlated with exercise response.

“The findings from our study might have pragmatic implications to help clinicians make individualized treatment plans for prediabetes patients,” the researchers said, adding that these “might indicate that in treating prediabetes patients with higher HbA1c, BMI and lower b-cell function, on the basis of diet and exercise intervention, early medications therapy might be advised.”