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The Diabetes Aerobic and Resistance Bands Exercise (DARE-Bands) Trial (DARE-Bands Trial)
Summary
BACKGROUND Resistance exercise training with free weights or weight machines clearly improves glucose (sugar) control in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, many patients with T2D would prefer not to attend an exercise facility, for reasons of cost and/or convenience. Coinvestigator Jonathon Fowles has developed and pilot-tested a home-based exercise program for people with T2D using resistance bands. However, the effects of resistance-bands training (on glucose control in T2D have not been evaluated in a high-quality randomized trial. SPECIFIC AIMS To determine the effects of six months of progressive home-based resistance bands training (RBT) versus no RBT in people with T2D on blood glucose control (HbA1c, primary outcome), waist circumference, heart disease risk factors, and quality of life. METHODS A total of 100 T2D participants will be randomized to 2 arms: home-based RBT (RBT-H) or aerobic training only (ATO). Both groups will accumulate 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise such as walking. The resistance exercise workout includes 12 exercises, targeting all major muscle groups. RBT-H subjects will complete most exercise at home with periodic supervision. SIGNIFICANCE The global burden of type 2 diabetes is increasing, and complications of the illness occur primarily in those whose glucose control is fair or poor. If exercise training with resistance bands improves glucose control, it could be beneficial to the large numbers of patients who cannot travel to a gym or cannot afford gym membership. If resistance exercise is then adopted by more patients, it is likely that the morbidity associated with type 2 diabetes will be decreased. This is particularly true if such training also improves quality of life, and more people are thus inclined to continue exercising in the long term.
- Type 2 Diabetes