Introduction and purpose: Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by causing metabolic disorders and insulin resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance and aerobic training on serum levels of liver enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and their ratios in middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 21 middle-aged diabetic women were randomly divided into three resistance training groups (N=7), aerobic training (N=7), and control training (N=7). Resistance training was performed for 8 weeks, starting at an intensity of 40% of 1RM in the first week and reaching 75% of 1RM. Aerobic training also started at 40% of maximum heart rate and reached 70% of maximum heart rate. Blood sampling was performed in two stages before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using MANOVA and exploratory ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Based on the results, aerobic exercise resulted in a significant increase in ALP (P=0.026) and a significant decrease in ALT/ALP (P=0.039) compared to the control group. In contrast, resistance training program did not significantly change any of the enzymes and aerobic training did not significantly change the levels of AST and ALT enzymes and the AST/ALT ratio (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Eight weeks of aerobic training, unlike resistance training, is associated with increased ALP levels and decreased ALT/ALP ratio in middle-aged diabetic women, without adverse effects on markers of liver cell damage. This increase reflects beneficial physiological adaptations in bone tissue and emphasizes the importance of aerobic exercise in diabetics.