Aerobic, Resistance Training Workout Regimen Most Beneficial for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

For patients dealing with the effects of type 2 diabetes, exercise and a healthy diet are essential to overall health and well-being. However, a recent study published in the journal Diabetologia found that some workout regimens may be better than others. Austrian researchers discovered that combining resistance training with aerobics could provide the most beneficial approach.

Doctors already know just how much exercise can help those dealing with type 2 diabetes and controlling their blood sugar. Previous studies have shown that it can lower the body's insulin levels and aid in burning weight and building new muscles--all which help strengthen cardiovascular health.

Lukas Schwingshackl, lead study author and researcher from the University of Vienna, examined 14 studies with over 900 participants who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. There hopes were to determine just how much a role different types of exercise played in benefiting the patients with this health issue.

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

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

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

Though the researchers acknowledged the need for future studies, one thing's for certain--exercise can help reduce the risk of certain health issues.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that individuals get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.