Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with alterations in cardiac autonomic function and lactate metabolism. Heart rate variability (HRV) and blood lactate measurements are useful tools to evaluate these changes, while resistance training (RT) has emerged as an effective non-pharmacological intervention. Objective: To investigate the chronic effects of RT on parasympathetic modulation and lactate metabolism in individuals with T2DM. Methods: Fourteen volunteers participated, including eight individuals with T2DM (62.37±9.65 years) and six healthy controls (58.67±5.28 years). Participants performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test followed by submaximal exercise at 10–50% of 1RM. HRV was analyzed using RMSSD and SD1 indices, and blood lactate was measured at rest and during exercise. The T2DM group completed a 12-week RT program at 60% of 1RM, while controls maintained their usual lifestyle. Bootstrap resampling (1,000 samples) was applied, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Lactate responses did not differ significantly before and after training; however, the exercise intensity associated with a significant increase shifted from 30% to 40% of 1RM after RT, suggesting delayed lactate accumulation. No significant lactate changes were observed in controls, and HRV indices remained unchanged in both groups.
Conclusion: Twelve weeks of RT did not significantly modify cardiac autonomic modulation but may improve oxidative metabolism by delaying lactate accumulation during exercise in individuals with T2DM.
