Resistive Exercise versus Acupressure on Blood Glucose Level in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes has become a major global public health concern characterized by dysregulation of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, and results from impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance or a combination of both Abstract: Acupressure lowers the blood glucose level through a massage at the point of the meridian, which can trigger the calming and uplifting response in the body, Resistive exercise is often recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve physical conditioning and glycemic control. Aim of Study: The current study was conducted to compare between: Effect of resistive exercise and Acupressure on blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes. Subjects and Methods: Sixty patients (34 male 26 female) with type 2 diabetes participated in this study their age ranging from 35 to 60 years. They were selected from outpatient clinic in Internal Medicine, Luxor General Hospital. Group A: Received acupressure therapy (AT on point (Sp-6) which found atone palm width above the tip of inner ankle bone on the back of the shinbone, 3 minutes and repeated 3 times per session on both legs for three times per week for 12 weeks, in addition to hypoglycemic drugs. Group B: Received resistive exercise using dumbbell and sandbag, intensity of exercise for each muscle group determined after assessment of ten repetition maximum (10RM) 40% to 60% of 1RM (1 set 10 repetitions) used for 30 minute 3 time per week for 12 week beside their medication. 10RM reevaluated every 2 week and after 2 week load increase to 2 set 10 repetitions. Method of evaluation was measurement of random blood glucose level measured before starting and after each session glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) fasting blood glucose level, 2 hour post prandial and glucose level and insulin level measured before starting and after end of program. Results: There was a significant decrease in randomized blood glucose, fasting blood glucose and increase in insulin level with no significant differences in HA 1 C and 2 hour post prandial in acupressure group when compared with resistive exercise group.
Conclusion: Acupressure is more effective than resistive exercise as a complementary alternative medicine & can be helpful in reducing blood glucose level and increasing insulin levels in type 2 diabetic patients.