Abstract P137: Aerobic, Resistance or Combination Exercise Training does not Reduce C-Reactive Protein Levels in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is associated with elevated C-reactive protein levels (CRP), which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Aerobic exercise training especially with weight/adiposity reduction has been shown to improve CRP, however few studies have evaluated the effect of other exercise training modalities (aerobic, resistance or combination training) on CRP in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that combination training will improve CRP to a greater extent than other modalities of exercise training, and change in CRP levels will be associated with changes in weight and adiposity. Methods: The present study is a secondary analysis of the Health Benefits of Aerobic and Resistance Training in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (HART-D) study. Participants (n=204) were randomized to aerobic exercise (aerobic), resistance exercise (resistance) or a combination of both (combination) for nine months. Results: Baseline CRP was correlated with fat mass, waist circumference, BMI, and inversely correlated with VO2 peak (p<0.05). CRP was not reduced in the aerobic (0.16 mg•L-1, 95% CI: -1.0, 1.3), resistance (-0.03 mg•L-1, 95% CI: -1.1, 1.0) or combination (-0.49 mg•L-1, 95% CI: -1.5 to 0.6) groups compared to control (0.35 mg•L-1, 95% CI: -1.0, 1.7). Change in CRP was associated with change in fasting glucose (r=0.20, p= 0.009), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (r=0.21 p=0.005), and fat mass (r=0.19, p=0.016), but not change in fitness or weight (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, aerobic, resistance or a combination of both did not reduce CRP levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, exercise related improvements in HbA1C, fasting glucose, and fat mass were associated with reductions in CRP.