Resistance training and diabetes mellitus type 2: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on glycemic and cardiometabolic outcomes.
Robert Trybulski, Aleksandra Żebrowska, Krzysztof Fostiak et al.
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In 30 seconds
This umbrella review assessed the effects of resistance training (RT) on glycemic and cardiometabolic outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) by analyzing 43 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The findings suggest that RT is associated with small-to-moderate improvements in HbA1c (approximately -0.3 to -0.6%-points) and fasting glucose (approximately -0.5 to -1.4 mmol/L), alongside significant gains in muscle strength.
Key findings
- RT showed small-to-moderate reductions in HbA1c by approximately -0.3 to -0.6%-points.
- Fasting glucose levels decreased by approximately -0.5 to -1.4 mmol/L with RT.
- Systolic blood pressure improved by approximately -4 to -7 mmHg following RT.
- RT resulted in large gains in muscle strength, despite substantial overlap in evidence.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of resistance training on glycemic control and cardiovascular health is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. This review highlights the potential benefits of RT, which can inform clinical recommendations and patient management strategies.
What to keep in mind
The review noted substantial heterogeneity across studies and frequent methodological issues, which may affect the reliability of the findings.