The effect of home-based resistance exercise training in people with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Aims: To evaluate the effects of pragmatic home-based resistance exercise training on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as well as muscle strength and body composition in people with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: People with type 2 diabetes were randomized (1:1) to usual care or usual care plus home-based resistance exercise for 32 weeks. The changes in HbA1c, body composition, physical function, quality of life, continuous glucose monitoring and liver fat were compared by randomized group using linear regression. Results: This study recruited 120 participants (female: n = 46 [38%], age 60.2 (9.4) years, BMI 31.1 (5.4) kg.m⁻²), 64 to intervention and 56 to usual care. Intention to treat analysis revealed no effect on HbA1c (difference in difference: −0.4 mmol/mol, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.26, 2.47; p = 0.78) but the intervention increased the number of push-ups (3.6 push-ups, 95% CI: 0.8, 6.4), arm lean mass (116 g, 95% CI: 6, 227) and leg lean mass (438 g, 95% CI 65, 810) and decreased liver fat (−1.27%, 95% CI -2.17, −0.38), with no differences in other outcomes. Per-protocol analysis revealed similar results. Conclusions: Home-based resistance exercise is unlikely to lower HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes but may be of benefit for maintaining muscle mass and function and reducing liver fat.