Share

Control blood sugar with combined training

accreditation
Group of fit people at the gym exercising from Shutterstock
Group of fit people at the gym exercising from Shutterstock
Andresr

A combination of aerobic and resistance training may work better than either type of exercise alone in helping people with diabetes control their blood sugar, a new review finds.

Researchers analysed data from 14 studies that included more than 900 people with type 2 diabetes. The studies looked at the role of aerobic or resistance training (workouts such as weightlifting) in boosting the health of diabetics.

Combination approach

Compared with either aerobic or resistance training alone, a regimen that combined both types of workouts was more effective in controlling blood sugar (glucose), blood fats, blood pressure and weight, the researchers said. The combination approach also helped more people reach higher levels of good cholesterol, according to the findings published in the journal Diabetologia.

Read:
 Diet, exercise boost good cholesterol

The Austrian researchers added that there is evidence that supervised workouts are more effective than unsupervised training, but most people don't have access to the intense, supervised exercise routines used in the studies.

"Combined aerobic and resistance training can be recommended as part of a lifestyle programme in the management of type 2 diabetes wherever possible," conclude the team led by Lukas Schwingshackl of the University of Vienna. They stressed, though, that more study is needed to confirm the findings.

Regular exercise

One expert in the United States believes that exercise is always a good choice for people battling type 2 diabetes.
Read: Exercise alone helps type 2 diabetes

"Both aerobic and resistance activity are capable of reducing blood glucose," said Dr. Gerald Bernstein, director of the Diabetes Management Programme at the Friedman Diabetes Institute, part of Beth Israel Medical Centre in New York City.

However, different modes of exercise might have different effects, he added.

"Resistance training builds muscles and thereby increases glucose utilisation through increased muscle mass," Bernstein explained, while "aerobic training burns glucose on the spot."

Bernstein stressed that, "most importantly, some type of exercise regularly performed 


Read more:
FDA approves inhaled diabetes medication

Canola oil-enriched diet may benefit diabetics
Discovery may lead to new diabetes treatment


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE