Impact of Exercise Manual Program on Biochemical Markers in Sedentary Prediabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Prediabetes is a medical disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that exceed normal levels but do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to assess the impact of structured exercise manual interventions on the biochemical markers of sedentary prediabetic patients over sixteen weeks. Materials and Methods: A sixteen-weeks randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the impact of an exercise-based manual program on biochemical markers, such as HbA1c, insulin sensitivity measures, and lipid profiles, in sedentary individuals with prediabetes. The Riphah Rehabilitation Center in Lahore, Pakistan, was the site of the trial. In this investigation, 126 individuals with prediabetes were randomly assigned to three groups: control, unsupervised, and supervised. The RCT was completed by 36 participants in each group after a 16-weeks intervention in the supervised and unsupervised groups, as well as a follow-up in the control group. An activity-based exercise manual that included dietary guidelines, educational materials, and an exercise routine was followed by both the supervised and unsupervised groups. The exercise interventions included both aerobic and resistance components. Results: The results indicated that the supervised group exhibited a substantial increase in insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, and glycemic control when contrasted with the unsupervised and control groups. Significant improvements were observed in key biochemical parameters, including fasting blood levels (supervised as compared to unsupervised and control, respectively, the mean difference was 12.82 mg/dL vs. 11.36 mg/dL vs. 0.09 mg/dL p > 0.001), HbA1c (supervised as compared to unsupervised and control groups, respectively, the mean difference was 0.67% vs. 0.69% vs. 0.13% p < 0.001), and lipid profile (triglycerides (mean difference 0.25 mmol/L, 0.08 mmol/L, 0.11 mmol/L p < 0.001); LDL (mean difference 19.31 mg/dL, 10.51 mg/dL, 2.49 mg/dL p < 0.001); HDL (mean difference −12.68 mg/dL, −8.03 mg/dL, −1.48 mg/dL p < 0.001)). In comparison to the unsupervised and control groups, the insulin sensitivity parameters also demonstrated a modest improvement in the supervised group. The supervised group exhibited the greatest benefits from exercise among the groups that received exercise interventions. Conclusions: The present investigation demonstrated the significance of including structured physical activity into the regular routine of individuals with prediabetes, to decelerate the advancement of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study emphasizes the essential role of structured exercise routines in the control of prediabetes and suggests that monitoring enhances the adherence and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions.