Background: Cross-sectional studies have linked decreased adiponectin levels with several metabolic traits, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Previous studies conducted to investigate the effects of acute or chronic exercise on the serum adiponectin have produced conflicting and controversial results. Objective: To investigate the effect of supervised aerobic training of moderate intensity on the total serum levels of adiponectin and its relationship to insulin

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... resistance and body weight in subjects with type 2 diabetes (DM2). Methods: Thirty-five patient participants diagnosed as having DM2 mellitus for more than 5 years with normal or near normal body weight took part in this study. The diagnosis of DM was based on the American Diabetes Association criteria for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serum levels of blood glucose, insulin, total adiponectin, high molecular weight adiponectin, and insulin resistance were determined before and after a 12-week program of supervised moderate intensity aerobic training. Results: Twelve weeks of supervised moderate intensity aerobic training produced a significant reduction of fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin resistance in male subjects with DM2. By contrast, a significant increase in the total serum adiponectin and high molecular weight adiponectin has been reported. There was no significant correlation between the reduction of the body mass index, insulin resistance, and the increase of the total serum adiponectin or high molecular weight adiponectin. Conclusion: Prolonged exercise training of at least moderate intensity improves levels of adiponectin and insulin sensitivity in men with type 2 diabetes.