Dual Exercise Approach for Diabetes

Markers of diabetes include glycated hemogrobin (HbA1C) – a measure of blood sugar control, fasting blood sugar and triglycerides triglycerides.  Lukas Schwingshackl, from the University of Vienna (Austria), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis of 14 studies with a total of 915 participants, that assessed diabetics on various exercise regimens lasting 8 weeks or longer.  Data analysis revealed that aerobic exercise appeared to be more effective than resistance training at reducing HbA1C, and fasting blood sugar. Combined training programs were even more effective than aerobic exercise alone for reducing HbA1C and more effective than resistance training alone for reducing HbA1C, fasting blood sugar and triglycerides.  The study authors write that: “the present data suggest that [combined training] might be the most efficacious exercise modality to improve glycaemic control and blood lipids.”