Adaptation of the endogenous insulin secretion in non-insulin-dependent diabetes by an individual sport therapeutic intervention - a pilot study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a multimodular therapy concept (endurance training, strength training, and diet) on proinsulin in patients with metabolic syndrome and non-insulin dependent diabetes. Methods: Prospective cohort study (n = 22), prepost-evaluation. Data evaluated: BMI, HbA1c, proinsulin, body fat, serum glucose. Observation period three months. Results: Proinsulin showed a tendency to normal values (n.s.). When those patients who took metformin (n = 7) only, the effect was significant (P < 0.05). BMI, body fat and body weight decreased significantly (P < 0.001). HbA1c did not change significantly. Conclusions: Although the effect of decrease of body mass may be partially camouflaged because there was an increase of muscle mass (heavier than fat), the concept has been proven to be an effective strategy to decrease several risk factors on metabolic syndrome. Further investigations are necessary to detect subgroups of patients who may have the optimal benefit and more data are necessary to establish an optimized structure of the training for the patients. Such studies should cover longer observation periods (6 months or more).