Moderate-Vigorous Physical Activity and Clinical Parameters in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Report from the Walking with Diabetes Study

Background and aims: This study investigate the effects of increases in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on several clinical parameters in Indonesian type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Material and methods: This study used clinical and physical activity data of forty-two T2DM patients who completed a 6 month-free-living physical activity program, the Walking with Diabetes Study. Upon completion of the program, participants were categorised into a group with increases in MVPA (the MVPA+ group, n=24) or a group with steady/decreases in MVPA (the control group, n=18). High density lipoprotein, triglyceride, routine hematology profiles, blood pressure, body mass index, weight/hip ratio and self-reported MVPA, at baseline, 3 and 6 months were retrospectively analysed. Generalized estimating equation adjusted for age and sex were conducted to assess group and time effects on the clinical parameters. Results: Hemoglobin (p <0.01), erythrocytes (p<0.05), hematocrits (p<0.001) and thrombocytes (p<0.05) were higher in the MVPA+ group. The 1h and 2h-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increased in both groups across time (p<0.001). No changes between groups across time were found for other parameters. Conclusions: Increases in MVPA improve several hematology parameters in T2DM patients, but it does not have protective effects in controlling systemic inflammation in T2DM patients.