Efficacy of Postprandial Exercise in Mitigating Glycemic Responses

Overview

• Study Title: Efficacy of Postprandial Exercise in Mitigating Glycemic Responses in Overweight Individuals and Individuals with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
• Authors: Jie Kang, Brian M. Fardman, Nicholas A. Ratamess, Avery D. Faigenbaum, Jill A. Bush
• Publication: Nutrients, 2023, 15, 4489.
• Objective: Analyzing the impact of postprandial exercise (PPE) on glycemic control in overweight individuals and those with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Background

• Postprandial Hyperglycemia: A dynamic indicator of metabolic health and cardiovascular disease risk.
• Importance: Reduction of postprandial glucose improves glycemic control and reduces cardiovascular disease risk.
• Role of Exercise: Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Methods

• Search Strategy: Literature search conducted on PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar following PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion Criteria: Overweight/obese or T2DM adults, exercise post-meal, and studies with no exercise control.
• Data Analysis: Random-effect meta-analysis on glucose AUC and 24-hour mean glucose levels.

Results

• Glucose AUC and Mean Levels: Significant reduction in both measures following PPE compared to control.
• Exercise Duration: Greater glucose reduction with exercises lasting >30 minutes.
• Timing of Exercise: Effective if initiated 60 minutes post-meal, especially for those with T2DM.
• Exercise Types: Compared High-Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE) and Continuous Moderate-Intensity Exercise (CMIE) with no significant difference in efficacy.

Discussion

• Mechanism: Exercise stimulates both contraction- and insulin-mediated glucose uptake.
• Exercise Protocols: Variations in intensity, duration, and modality observed.
• Timing Considerations: Post-meal exercise is more beneficial than pre-meal exercise in reducing glucose levels.
• Subgroup Findings: T2DM patients experience greater glucose reduction benefits.

Conclusions

• Effectiveness: PPE is effective in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia and aiding daily glycemic control.
• Recommendations: Exercise duration of >30 minutes post-meal is beneficial, especially for T2DM.
• Further Research: Required to assess long-term glycemic control and optimal exercise protocols.

Limitations

• Study Limitations: Diverse exercise protocols, single-session study designs, lack of nutrient composition diversity in test meals.

Author Contributions and Funding

• Conceptualization and writing by J.K., B.M.F., N.A.R., A.D.F., and J.A.B.
• No external funding received.

References

• Includes references to studies on postprandial hyperglycemia, glycemic control, and exercise protocols.