Exploring the Interplay Between Exercise Duration and Effects on Lipid Profiles in Prediabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Prediabetes is a critical health condition characterized by elevated plasma glucose levels, this condition often coexists with lipid abnormalities, which can exacerbate cardiovascular risks. This study aims to explore the effects of varying exercise durations on lipid profiles and cardiorespiratory fitness in prediabetic individuals to identify optimal exercise durations that might improve health outcomes and prevent the progression to T2DM. Methods: A crossover trial was conducted with 25 middle-aged participants. They engaged in four different durations of exercise sessions (15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes) at Sports Research Unit, with lipid profile assessments at multiple time points (fasting, pre-exercise, 30 minutes post-exercise, and 60 minutes post-exercise). The primary outcomes measured were changes in cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cardiorespiratory parameters. Results: The study found that longer exercise durations led to significant reductions in both fasting and pre-exercise triglyceride levels and a notable decrease in LDL levels in a dose-response manner with respect to duration of exercise. There was also a significant increase in HDL levels post-exercise with longer workouts. Notably, there was no significant change in cardiorespiratory parameters. Conclusion: These findings suggest that extended durations of aerobic exercise may be beneficial for improving lipid profiles in prediabetic individuals, potentially slowing down the progression towards type 2 diabetes mellitus and reducing cardiovascular risk. The study highlights the importance of tailored exercise recommendations in managing prediabetes and associated metabolic risks.