Introduction:
Physical exercises improve quality of life in type 2 diabetes. Inspiratory muscle exercises may be an alternative option for diabetic patients with physical disabilities unable to engage in physical exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle exercises on physical and mental health dimensions of the 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) Health Survey in women with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:
Overall, 26 women with type 2 diabetes were allocated to the control (n = 14) or study group (n = 12). They were obese, aged 30–55 years, receiving oral hypoglycaemic medications. The inspiratory loaded exercise target intensity was 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure; sessions lasting 15–25 min were held on 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Quality of life was assessed as a primary outcome with the SF-12 questionnaire. Fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels were measured as secondary outcomes.

Results:
Compared with the control group, significant improvements were observed in the study group after the intervention in all SF-12 physical health domains and in SF-12 role emotional and social functioning mental health domains. In addition, fasting blood glucose was reduced from 134 ± 40 to 126.8 ± 51 mg/dl, which was a non-statistically but clinically significant change.

Conclusions:
Low-intensity inspiratory loaded exercises could be viewed as a successful alternative to physical exercises in improving physical quality of life in type 2 diabetic women. Health professionals interested in exercise therapy for type 2 diabetes may consider our findings.