Background & aim: Apelin is a newly discovered adipokine which plays an important role in regulation of energy homoeostasis and improvement of insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of continuous aerobic exercise on plasma concentration of apelin and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic men.

Methods: In the present quasi-experimental study, twenty four diabetic men from Ahwaz, Iran, were selected and randomly divided into training (n=12) and control (n=12) group. Anthropometric measures, body composition and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of the subjects were measured by using a modified Bruce continuous aerobic exercise training was performed during 8 week (3 session per week, 20-45 min per session, 40%- 70% HRmax). Before, and 48 hours after the last training session, plasma concentration of glucose, insulin and apelin were measured and HOMA-IR was calculated. Data analysis was used by T-tests, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient and the significant level of p<0/05 was considered.

Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in plasma concentration of glucose and insulin and HOMA-IR, and a significant increase in plasma concentration of apelin was observed in training group compared with pretest and control group. Furthermore, a significant negative relationship between plasma concentration of apelin and HOMA-IR after 8 weeks aerobic training was found.

Conclusion: It seems that low to moderate intensity continuce areobic exercise training has significant effect on the amount of plasma apelin in type 2 diabetic men. Continuous aerobic exercise may be effective in improving the insulin resistance and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic men.