ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine the relationship between exercises with the serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels and glucose and lipid profile in menopausal type II diabetic women.

Methods: Menopausal women with type II diabetes mellitus were divided into three groups including control (n = 14), aerobic exercise (n = 14) and resistance exercise groups (n = 14). The mean levels of serum glucose, LDL-C, HDL-C, insulin, TG and cholesterol were measured in all participants after 8 weeks of exercise. Serum FGF21 was also measured by ELISA method.

Results: The mean of FGF21 levels after exercise was increased significantly in the both aerobic (p < 0.001) and resistance exercise (p = 0.001) groups. The mean of glucose, LDL-C, TG and cholesterol was decreased significantly after exercise in the both exercised groups (p < 0.01). A significant decline had been found for insulin levels and also insulin resistance in the both aerobic (p = 0.001) and resistance (p = 0.003) groups. There was a negative and significant correlation between FGF21 levels with total cholesterol contents (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Aerobic and resistance exercises increase the mean value of FGF21 levels and as the result decline the mean levels of glucose and lipids in blood of menopausal women with type II diabetic mellitus.