Comparative Effects of Exercise and GLP-1 RAs on Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model: A Systematic Review

Authors

Sumera Afzal, Ziauddin College of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Ziauddin UniversityFollow
Hira Attique Dr., Department of Physiology, Ziauddin Medical College, Ziauddin UniversityFollow
abdul hameed Dr., College of Molecular Medicine, Ziauddin University Karachi, PakistanFollow
Sumaira Imran Farooqui Prof.Dr, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Ziauddin UniversityFollow
Sofia Amjad Dr., Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior UniversityFollow

Other Subject Area

Exercise and anti-diabetic therapeutics

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 363-378, 2025. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a major health problem worldwide having life-threatening complications causing mortality and a rise in prevalence. Effective treatment strategies are vital for managing diabetes and its associated complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. This systematic review aims to evaluate effective treatment approaches, focusing on the comparative effects of exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in T2D rat models. Current pharmacological therapies primarily target glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. However, there is a growing concern in non-traditional approaches that involve exercise and GLP-1 RAs for managing T2D. These therapies are crucial as they have the potential to improve pancreatic β-cell efficiency to secrete insulin, control blood glucose levels, decrease insulin resistance, and manage diabetes-related issues. Studies were searched in seven electronic databases including Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science from inception till 2024. Out of 16,500 documents retrieved between 2020 and 2024, 58 full-text articles were assessed in detail, and 13 studies met the inclusion criteria that include Male Wistar, Male Sprague Dawley and Adult female Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 grams. These experimental studies examined the effects of exercise and different GLP-1 RAs on 103 diabetics and 103 non-diabetic rats. Overall, synthesized findings revealed a promising effect on glucose control, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic health in diabetic rats. Further research is needed to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) through which exercise and GLP-1 RAs manage T2D and its associated complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.

Recommended Citation

Afzal, Sumera; Attique, Hira Dr.; hameed, abdul Dr.; Farooqui, Sumaira Imran Prof.Dr; and Amjad, Sofia Dr. (2025) "Comparative Effects of Exercise and GLP-1 RAs on Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 18 : Iss. 6, Pages 363 - 378.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/FHZH8622
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijes/vol18/iss6/5