Selected Physical Fitness Parameters in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Apparently Healthy Controls: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The study aimed to compare the physical fitness of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (ST2DM) and apparently healthy non-diabetic controls (NDC). Methods: Thirty-two ST2DMs and 32 NDCs were recruited for a comparative cross-sectional study. Flexibility, balance, power, and strength were assessed using sit-up and sit and reach (SR), one leg stand, horizontal jump (HJ), and hand grip tests, respectively. Cardiovascular endurance was assessed using Vo2max estimated with a 6-minute walk test. Also, body composition was estimated using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and percent body mass. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The alpha level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Static balance was significantly higher in the NDCs (11.1 ± 12.6 vs 5.5 ± 5.0 sec; p = 0.047) than in the ST2DMs. Hand (34.6 ± 19.9 vs 23.6 ± 12.7 kg; p = 0.001) and leg (122.4 ± 42.8 vs 26.5 ± 43.9 cm; 0.001) strength/power were significantly higher in the NDC group compared with the ST2DM. The SR test, a measure of flexibility, was significantly higher in the NDC (SDM = 12.2 ± 19.8cm, NDC = 35.3 ± 8.8cm, p = 0.001). BMI (28.7 ± 4.3 vs 26.4 ± 41kgm-2; p = 0.048), WC (104.2 ± 8.0 vs 94.2 ± 8.7cm; p = 0.001) and WHR (1.0 ± 0.6 vs 0.9 ± 0.7; p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the ST2DM than in the NDC. There was no significant difference in the estimated VO2max between the subject group and the control group. Conclusion: Balance, flexibility, and strength were significantly lower, while measures of adiposity are significantly higher in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with non-diabetic controls.