Impact of aerobic exercises on taste perception for sucrose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Regular exercise is a key element in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although the importance of regular exercises on glycemic control in people with diabetes is studied extensively, evidence is lacking on its impact on sweet taste perception. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of aerobic exercises on taste perception for sucrose in people with diabetes. Methods A sample of 225 people with diabetes aged 35-60 years was assigned randomly into 3 groups; aerobic exercise, combined exercise and a control group. The outcomes of the combined exercise group is not reported. The aerobic exercise group performed brisk walking 30min/day, 4-5days/week for 6 months. The primary outcome measures were supra-threshold intensity ratings and preference for sucrose assessed at baseline, at 3 and 6 months using ‘general Labeled Magnitude Scale’ and ‘Monell 2-series-forced choice method’ respectively. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was assessed at baseline and at 6 months to determine glycemic control. Results Aerobic exercise group showed significantly increased ratings (mm) for higher sucrose concentrations at 3 months (mean difference for 2.02M; +6.63±2.50, p=0.048 and for 0.64M; +7.26±2.76, p=0.026) and at 6 months (mean difference for 0.64M; +7.79±4.49, p= 0.044) compared to baseline and also when compared to controls (mean difference for 2.02M between baseline and 3 months; intervention: +6.63±2.50, control: -4.01±1.79, p=0.02 and between baseline and 6 months for 2.02M; intervention: +3.15±0.57, control: -7.96±0.40, p=0.022 and for 0.64M; intervention: +7.79±4.49, control: -8.98±0.99, p=0.003). A significantly reduced preference (mol/L) was seen both at 3 (mean difference; -0.03±0.02, p= 0.037) and at 6 months (mean difference; -0.05±0.12, p=0.011) compared to baseline within the intervention group. Also, a significant reduction was seen in the intervention group compared to controls at 6 months (mean difference; intervention: -0.05±0.12, control: 0.01±0.03, p=0.044). HbA1c was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to controls at 6 months (mean difference; intervention -0.43±1.6%, control +0.33±1.8%, p=0.018). Conclusion Regular aerobic exercises increase the sweet taste sensitivity, especially for higher concentrations of sucrose and decrease sweet taste preference in people with diabetes . These alterations in sweet taste perception, are likely to contribute to a better glycemic control in people with diabetes. Trial registration This trial was registered at the Sri Lanka Clinical Trial registry on 16/12/2015. (Trial registration number- SLCTR/2015/029, https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2015-029).

Association between physical activity and taste–The advantage of increased intensity for some but not all individuals

“…In a diabetic population, regular PA was shown to have a positive impact on sweet taste perceptions. In fact, a 6-month intervention which included brisk walking 4–5 days/week (total ≥150minutes) resulted in significant improvement in sweet taste sensitivity while decreasing sweet preference in this population [ 20 ]. Chronic physical activity appears to correlate with higher sweet taste intensity ratings compared to inactivity, suggesting that active individuals may have enhanced taste intensity perception [ 14 ].…”

Based On Satiety Mechanism: The Effect of Dietary Therapy in Terms of Substitute Meal in Overweight and Diabetic Patients

“…The regulation of appetite is a complex process that involves intricate pathways of hormonal and neuronal signaling [3]. Energy homeostasis plays a crucial role in achieving glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [4]. Much research in the field of appetite has focused on identifying the key signals that trigger and inhibit food intake [5].…”

“…Lack of physical activity can reduce feelings of fullness, which can easily lead to increased hunger, which in turn increases food intake. Chronic inactivity can also lead to weight gain, as lack of exercise affects the body's metabolism and energy expenditure, reducing feelings of fullness [4,6]. Therefore, maintaining moderate physical activity is crucial for improving satiety and maintaining good health.…”

“…In a randomized controlled experiment, 108 T2DM patients aged 35-60 years were placed into three groups: aerobic, mixed (combining aerobic and resistance workouts), and control [4]. Subjective emotions of hunger and fullness were assessed using a 100 mm visual analogue scale in response to a normal breakfast meal (453 kcal).…”