Long term effect of structured aerobic training versus structured resistance training program on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

The absence of clear evidence regarding the long-term comparative effectiveness of structured aerobic versus resistance training in improving lipid profile and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus remains a significant clinical challenge. Hence, this randomized controlled trial evaluated 60 patients with T2DM assigned to aerobic or resistance training groups over an extended follow-up period. Both interventions demonstrated improvements in glycaemic control, lipid profile, cardiovascular parameters and behavioral outcomes, with resistance training showing superior early-phase benefits in diet-related behaviors and metabolic adaptation. However, long-term outcomes between the two groups converged, indicating comparable efficacy over time. Thus, date shows that both exercise modalities are beneficial, with modality-specific temporal advantages. By providing controlled longitudinal evidence, this study advances knowledge by clarifying the time-dependent differential impacts of aerobic and resistance training on metabolic and behavioral outcomes in T2DM.