Moderate aerobic exercise increases adiponectin but not pancreatic β-cell function in men with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Sony Wibisono Mudjanarko; Anugrahini Irawati; Jessica Leoni; Damayanti Tinduh

doi:10.2478/bhk-2026-0012

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Moderate aerobic exercise increases adiponectin but not pancreatic β-cell function in men with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Biomedical Human Kinetics

Volume 18 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

By: Sony Wibisono Mudjanarko , Anugrahini Irawati , Jessica Leoni and Damayanti Tinduh

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

Study aim

This study aims to determine the impact of 4 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise on adiponectin and pancreatic β-cell function in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

Twenty-two men with T2DM who participated in this randomized controlled trial were randomly assigned to trial (n = 11) or control (n = 11) groups. The trial group took part in 4 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise consisting of three sessions/week of 30 min/day. Variables were measured 30 min before the first session and after the last session, including weight, height, body mass index, insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), adiponectin, and HOMA-β. Independent t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, paired t-tests, and Fisher’s exact tests were performed.

Results

Twenty men with T2DM in trial group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10) were analyzed. There were significant differences in adiponectin levels between the groups after exercise (p = 0.003) and in the degree of adiponectin changes between groups (p = 0.017). FPG levels between groups was significantly different after exercise (p = 0.018). There was no significant difference in HOMA-β levels between the trial and control groups after 4 weeks of exercise (p = 0.131). No linearity between adiponectin changes and HOMA-β changes was observed.

Conclusion

Four weeks of moderate aerobic exercise improved adiponectin and glucose uptake. While adiponectin levels increased, β-cell function did not show a significant change as measured by HOMA-β.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/bhk-2026-0012 | Journal eISSN: 2080-2234

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Language: English

Page range: 138 - 147

Submitted on: Aug 8, 2025

Accepted on: Apr 7, 2026

Published on: May 5, 2026

Published by: University of Physical Education in Warsaw

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© 2026 Sony Wibisono Mudjanarko, Anugrahini Irawati, Jessica Leoni, Damayanti Tinduh, published by University of Physical Education in Warsaw
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Volume 18 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)