“`htmlSummary:In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a combined exercise program significantly reduced abdominal fat and improved sleep quality compared to no structured exercise intervention,
though it was associated with no significant adverse effects.
Source: Yu Han, et al. “The relationship between abdominal fat and sleep quality after combined exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.” Read article here.“`
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus experiencing abdominal fat accumulation and poor sleep quality. |
| Intervention | A combined exercise program focused on aerobic activity and resistance training. |
| Comparison | No structured exercise intervention or usual care without an exercise regimen. |
| Outcome | The combined exercise program significantly reduced abdominal fat and improved sleep quality compared to no exercise. There were no significant adverse effects reported. |
RCT
Front Endocrinol · 2025
Combined exercise, abdominal fat and sleep in T2DM
RCT · type 2 diabetes · 12 weeks
Trial design
Between-group effect (95% CI)
Visceral fat (VAT)
-25.6 cm²
vs baseline
Subcutaneous fat (SAT)
-17.6 cm²
vs baseline
Sleep quality (PSQI)
-0.37
lower is better
Total sleep time
+21.5 min
vs control +10.0
⬡ Bottom Line
In older adults with type 2 diabetes, a 12-week combined aerobic-plus-resistance program significantly cut visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat and improved sleep quality, with no significant adverse effects. It was the only programme to improve objective sleep measures.
P
Population
Adults 55-75 with type 2 diabetes and poor sleep
I
Intervention
Combined aerobic plus resistance exercise, 12 weeks
C
Comparator
Usual diabetes care, no structured exercise
O
Outcome
Reduced visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat and better sleep quality
