Long-term follow-up on patient-reported outcomes after supervised exercise training in individuals at risk of complications to type 2 diabetes

AIMS: We investigated long-term changes of patient-reported outcomes after a supervised exercise intervention in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS: In an intervention study without a control group, follow-up assessments were performed 12 months after initiating 12 weeks of physical exercise in individuals with T2D at intermediate or high risk of complications. Primary outcomes were health-related quality of life assessed with EQ-5D-5L, empowerment with Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form, and self-reported physical activity with the Physical Activity Scale. Secondary outcomes were physical function (30-s chair-stand test) and working capacity (Aastrand or Graded Cycling Test).

RESULTS: 153 participants completed follow-up (35% women, age (mean ± SD) 67 ± 11 years, body mass index 33.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin A1c 7.8 ± 3.7%). No changes were reported in health-related quality of life (index score p = 0.444, visual analogue scale p = 0.270), empowerment (p = 0.232), and moderate intensity physical activity (p = 0.917). Vigorous intensity physical activity decreased (mean (95% CI) -25.5 (-37.14; -13.94) min/day, p < 0.001). Physical function increased (p < 0.001) and working capacity decreased (Aastrand p = 0.002, Graded Cycling Test p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS: Health-related quality of life, empowerment, and self-reported moderate intensity physical activity time remained elevated at the long-term follow-up after a supervised exercise intervention.