The Effect of 8 Weeks of Continuous Aerobic Training on Serum Irizin Level and Insulin Resistance Index of Middle-Aged Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Irisin is a myokine that is released from FNDC5 membrane protein and has positive effects on carbohydrate metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise on irisin levels and insulin resistance in middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 24 women with type 2 diabetes were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups of aerobic exercise (n = 12) and control (n = 12). The training group performed aerobic exercises for 8 minutes (3 sessions per week) for 50 minutes with an intensity of 45-85% of the maximum heart rate on the treadmill. The control group did not engage in any physical activity during exercise. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 48 hours after the last training session and the serum was used to measure the levels of irzin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose and insulin. Correlated t-test and independent t-test were used to examine intra-group changes and differences between groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22) at a significant level (P≥0.05). Results: Intragroup changes showed that 8 weeks of aerobic exercise increased serum levels of irizin (P = 0.000), significantly decreased insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (P = 0.000), fasting glucose and insulin ratio (P = 0.001) ratio He became diabetic in the control group. Also, in comparison between groups, aerobic exercise caused a significant increase in levels of irizin (P = 0.001) and a decrease in insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose (P = 0.001) and insulin (P = 0.001) compared to the control group. He became diabetic. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise, through its beneficial effect on increasing irisin levels and decreasing insulin resistance index, is an effective factor in improving glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients.