Study breakthrough in the prevention of type 2 diabetes at He's Fit

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Study breakthrough in the prevention of type 2 diabetes

Posted September 28, 2007 at 02:00 PM by Christopher Jack

Section: In The News, His Fitness, Cardio Training, Strength Training, His Health, Physical Health

While we all know that exercise is great for you, and a key component to the treatment of type 2 “adult onset” diabetes. However, a beakthrough was recently discovered: a Canadian study found that EITHER aerobic exercise OR resistance training helped people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

With the World Health Organization estimating as many as 200 people worldwide suffering from diabetes, such a find could go a long way to improving the lifestyles of an incredible number of people. Published in Annals of Internal Medicine, the study, which was lead by Dr. Ronald Sigal, the team discovered that other exercises beyond just aerobic had effects on diabetes.

The test included 251 formerly sedentary adults with type 2 diabetes and, after passing a stress test for exercise clearance, were put into a one of four, four week exercise programs at random. One group was assigned to aerobic exercise, one to resistance, one to both and the final group was kept sedentary as it was the control group.

The results shows that, while either form of exercise improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, the greatest improvements occurred in the group which was placed through the program with BOTH aerobic and resistance.

Dr. Sigal noted that those who were already ahead of the curve with blood sugar control still experienced significant improvements in glucose control.

“The bottom line,” said Sigal, “is that doing both aerobic and resistance exercise is the way to maximize the effects of exercise on blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes.” The study shows promise for clinics in regard to exercise and counseling advise in treating the disease.

Right now, the established research on exercise and type 2 diabetes has the following position stand—The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) makes the following recommendations about exercise for patients with type 2 diabetes:
* Persons with diabetes or who are pre-disposed to the disease should be screened and advised by a physician and a physical activity program should be developed.
* In patients with type 2 diabetes, the goal for energy expenditure should be a minimum of 1,000 calories per week.
* Persons with diabetes should participate in at least three nonconsecutive days of exercise per week, for 10 to 15 minutes per session at 45 to 70 percent maximum heart rate.

Now, with current research such as the article discussed above, the ACSM should probably re-evaluate their stand on exercise and type 2 diabetes.

Research sources and for more information: [Medical News Today]; [FindArticles.com]; [picture]