Published online Jul 18, 2022. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i7.184
Peer-review started: January 12, 2022
First decision: March 16, 2022
Revised: April 20, 2022
Accepted: June 16, 2022
Article in press: June 16, 2022
Published online: July 18, 2022
According to the existing literature, kidney transplant (KT) recipients with diabetes mellitus seem to have low physical activity levels, while dyslipidemia and abnormal glucose profile are common cardiovascular risk factors.
As little is known about the effects of systematic exercise on the metabolic profile and cardiovascular risk of KT patients, we believe that this study will positively contribute to the literature gap.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a mixed type 6-mo exercise program on functional capacity, glucose and lipid profile of KT patients with diabetes mellitus.
KT patients were randomly divided into two groups. Both exercise and control groups underwent biochemical blood analysis, in order to determine lipid and glucose levels, at baseline and at the end of the study. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was also done to assess functional capacity.
At the end of the 6-mo study, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and the peak oxygen uptake [(VO2)peak] were statistically improved in the exercise group, while a positive linear relationship between peak oxygen uptake and glycated hemoglobin was also found (r = 0.408, P = 0.03).
According to the results, a 6-mo home-based mixed type exercise training program can significantly improve the metabolic profile and functional capacity of diabetic KT recipients.
It is crucial for future larger randomized controlled trials to explore the side effects of exercise on the metabolic profile and respiratory responses of diabetic KT recipients.