The Effect of Regular Physical Activities on the Visceral Fat in Diabetic Patients in Iran- Review

Objective: The growing prevalence of diabetes makes this disease a health threatening issue. Regular physical activity is a solution in prevention and treatment of diabetes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to review the effect of exercise trainings on visceral fat tissue in type 2 diabetes patients, based on the studies performed in Iran. Materials and Methods: The present study is a review concerning the effects of physical training on visceral fat in diabetic patients. The search was performed on SID (Scientific Information Database), Irandoc and Magiran. After the apraise of the articles, 8 studies carried out between 2005 and 2016 in Iran were included. Results: A review of the studies indicated that participation in regular physical activities improves blood glucose control. It is effective in secretion and gene expression of adipokines in visceral fat tissues. Moreover, it is able to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: Physical activity has a fundamental role in prevention and control of insulin resistance, pre-diabetic circumstances, type 2 diabetes and its health related complications. Both aerobic and resistance exercises improve the action of insulin and the secretion of adipocytokines of the visceral fat tissue.