BACKGOUND: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the low intensity resistance exercise training and aerobic exercise training on body composition, physical fitness, and metabolic profiles in non-obese type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Participants(N:26) had been randomly assigned to resistance exercise(resistance, N:10), aerobic exercise(aerobic, N:9) and control group(control, N:7). Resistance exercise was carried out at 15~20RM(1RM 60%) and aerobic exercise was carried out at anaerobic threshold(AT). Each exercise group was scheduled to implement the training for twelve weeks, two times per day and five days per week. RESULTS: Body mass index, waist to hip ratio, %fat, FBS, PP2, HbA1c and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were significantly decreased after the training period in resistance and aerobic exercise group. Strength endurance, agility and flexibility were significantly improved after the training period in resistance and aerobic exercise groups. There were significant differences in BMI, percent fat, FBS, PP2, METs and HR at anaerobic threshold after the training period in aerobic and control groups. Total cholesterol was significantly decreased after the training period in aerobic exercise groups. Load, heart rate and METs at AT significantly increased after the training period in aerobic group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) and balance significantly increased after the training period in resistance group. There were significant differences in strength endurance and agility between two exercise groups and control group. CONCLUSION: This study suggested circuit type resistance exercise might have nearly comparable effects on weight control, body composition, blood glucose control and improvement of insulin resistance in non-obese type 2diabetic patients.