A recent study indicates that resistance training surpasses endurance exercises like running in enhancing insulin sensitivity among diabetes patients. Conducted by researchers at the Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, the study highlights the effectiveness of resistance exercises in reducing body fat and improving glucose tolerance, crucial for diabetes management.
A new study reveals that resistance training is superior to endurance exercises in improving insulin sensitivity among diabetes patients. Resistance training, which involves muscle contractions against external forces, enhances or maintains muscle mass and includes activities like weightlifting. Endurance sports such as walking, running, and jogging are also part of this spectrum.
The research was conducted by scientists from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech in the United States, with results published on October 30 in the Journal of Sports and Health Sciences, as reported by a local source.
The study compared the effects of endurance and resistance exercises on rats fed a high-fat diet, a common model for obesity, hyperglycemia, and type 2 diabetes. The research team, led by exercise medicine researcher Chen Yan from Virginia Tech, found that while both running and weightlifting help the body eliminate excess sugar from the blood, resistance training was more effective in reducing subcutaneous and visceral fat, improving glucose tolerance, and lowering insulin resistance—key factors in diabetes prevention and management.
To conduct a direct and rigorous comparison, the research team developed a novel model for weightlifting in rats. The rats lived in specially designed cages where they accessed food through a weighted hinged cover. They had to lift the cover while wearing a small shoulder harness to eat, mimicking the squatting movements used in resistance training.
The load was gradually increased over several days, simulating progressive strength training. For the endurance group, the rats had open access to a running wheel, a standard model for aerobic exercise. Control groups included sedentary rats on a regular or high-fat diet.
Over eight weeks, the research team monitored weight gain, body composition, and fat distribution. They tested the rats’ exercise capacity on a treadmill, assessed cardiovascular and muscular functions, and measured their success in regulating blood sugar levels. The researchers also analyzed skeletal muscle tissues to study insulin signaling at the molecular level.
Using their new resistance training model, the team was able to directly compare how training styles affected obesity, blood sugar levels, and insulin sensitivity, closely mimicking human exercise. Yan stated, “Our data showed that running and weightlifting reduce abdominal and subcutaneous fat and improve blood sugar maintenance, with better insulin signaling in skeletal muscles. Importantly, weightlifting outperforms running in these health benefits.”
Diabetes has become a significant global health issue, with millions affected worldwide. The management of blood sugar levels is critical for preventing complications associated with diabetes. Traditional exercise recommendations often emphasize aerobic activities, but recent research has begun to explore the benefits of resistance training, which may offer additional advantages for insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the inclusion of resistance exercises in diabetes management strategies.
