Aerobic, Resistance Training Improve Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

Aerobic, Resistance Training Improve Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes


Both aerobic and resistance training help lower hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes — and a combination of the two is even more beneficial — researchers report in Annals of Internal Medicine.


Some 250 inactive diabetes patients were randomized to one of four groups: aerobic training, resistance training, both, or no exercise. The active-treatment groups exercised 3 times weekly for 22 weeks.

Adjusted absolute HbA1c levels fell significantly with aerobic training (-0.51 percentage point vs. no exercise) and resistance training (-0.38); the combination-exercise group saw additional reductions (-0.46 vs. aerobic training, -0.59 vs. resistance training). Changes in blood pressure and lipids did not differ among the groups.

The authors cite research showing a 15% to 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events with a 1-percentage-point decrease in HbA1c. Editorialists note limitations of the current study but conclude: "Failing to prescribe exercise to patients with diabetes is simply unacceptable practice."


Annals of Internal Medicine article (Free)


Annals of Internal Medicine editorial (Subscription required)