Impact of aerobic and resistance training on anthropometry and body composition in South Asian Sri Lankans with type 2 diabetes: findings from the SL-DARTS randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant public health challenge in South Asia, including Sri Lanka, where lifestyle factors contribute to its progression. Aims The Sri Lanka Diabetes Aerobic and Resistance Training Study (SL-DARTS) evaluated the effects of aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) on body composition in Sri Lankans with T2DM. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 86 adults with T2DM were assigned to AT (n = 28), RT (n = 28), or control (n = 30) groups for 12 weeks. Participants in AT and RT engaged in supervised, progressive 75-min exercise sessions twice weekly. Anthropometric and body composition measures were assessed before and after the intervention using skinfold thickness (SF) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results The AT group showed a significant reduction in body fat percentage (%BF) as measured by SF (−1.7%; 95% CI, −0.5–2.7%; p < 0.05), outperforming RT (−0.9%; 95% CI, −0.8–2.1%). Total fat mass decreased more in AT (−0.562 kg; 95% CI, −0.4–1.5 kg) than in RT (−0.314 kg; 95% CI, −0.6–1.2 kg), while the control group gained fat mass. Both interventions reduced absolute SF across all sites, with site-specific differences between AT and RT groups. Conclusion This study demonstrates that structured AT and RT improve body composition in individuals with T2DM. A combined approach may provide enhanced benefits, underscoring the importance of personalized exercise programs in T2DM management for high-risk populations.