Diabetes & Metabolism Journal (Aug 2015)

Maximal Fat Oxidation Rate during Exercise in Korean Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

  • Min Hwa Suk,
  • Yeo-Jin Moon,
  • Sung Woo Park,
  • Cheol-Young Park,
  • Yun A Shin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2015.39.4.328
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 39, no. 4
pp. 328 – 334

Abstract

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BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate exercise intensity associated with maximum fat oxidation, improvement of body composition, and metabolic status in Korean women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThe study included a T2DM group (12 women) and a control group (12 women). The groups were matched in age and body mass index. The subjects performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to measure their maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax). We also measured their body composition, metabolic profiles, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).ResultsThe exercise intensity for Fatmax was significantly lower in the T2DM group (34.19% maximal oxygen uptake [VO2 max]) than the control group (51.80% VO2 max). Additionally, the rate of fat oxidation during exercise (P<0.05) and mtDNA (P<0.05) were significantly lower in the T2DM group than the control group. The VO2 max level (P<0.001) and the insulin level (P<0.05) were positively correlated with the rate of fat oxidation.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest lower exercise intensity that achieves Fatmax is recommended for improving fat oxidation and enhancing fitness levels in Korean women with T2DM. Our data could be useful when considering an exercise regimen to improve health and fitness.

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