Effect of exercise training modality on C-reactive protein in type-2 diabetes

PURPOSE: Type-2 diabetes is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and elevated C-reactive protein levels (CRP). Aerobic exercise training has been shown to improve CRP, however there are limited data evaluating the effect of other exercise training modalities (aerobic, resistance or combination training) in individuals with type-2 diabetes.

METHODS: Participants (n=204) were randomized to an aerobic exercise (aerobic), resistance exercise (resistance) or a combination of both (combination) for nine months. CRP was evaluated at baseline and at follow-up.

RESULTS: Baseline CRP was correlated with fat mass, waist circumference, BMI, and VO2peak (p < 0.05). CRP was not reduced following aerobic (0.16 mg.L -1, 95% CI: -1.0, 1.3), resistance (-0.03 mg.L -1, 95% CI: -1.1, 1.0) or combination (-0.49 mg.L -1, 95% CI: -1.5 to 0.6) training compared to control (0.35 mg.L -1, 95% CI: -1.0, 1.7). Change in fasting glucose (r=0.20, p=0.009), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (r=0.21 p=0.005), and fat mass (r=0.19, p=0.016) were associated with reductions in CRP, but not change in fitness or weight (p > 0.05). There were significant trends observed for CRP among tertiles of change in HbA1C (p=0.009) and body fat (p=0.040). CONCLUSION: Aerobic, resistance or a combination of both did not reduce CRP levels in individuals with type-2 diabetes. However, exercise related improvements in HbA1C, fasting glucose, and fat mass were associated with reductions in CRP.