Effect of combined aerobic and resistance training on kidney health in adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Aims: Evidence on the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training on kidney function in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains limited. We evaluated the effect of a 9-month structured exercise programme on kidney function in adults with T2D. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial conducted in four primary care centres in Catalunya, 136 adults with T2D without kidney disease (aged 41–87 years) were randomized to an intervention group (IG, n = 52) or control group (CG, n = 84). The IG completed two supervised 60-min sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic and resistance exercise; the CG received standard care. The outcomes included changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin. Results: After 9 months, eGFR increased by 1.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the IG and decreased by 3.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the CG (between-group difference: 5.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95%CI: 0.9–9.5, p = 0.019)). Improvements in eGFR were significantly greater in the IG, particularly among women, those <65, and participants with uncontrolled diabetes (all p < 0.05). Urinary albumin changes did not differ between groups. Conclusions: A structured aerobic and resistance exercise programme improves eGFR in adults with T2D in primary care.