Which exercise modality is more effective for Type 2 Diabetes?

November 26, 2024

Resistance Training VS Aerobic Training | Which exercise modality is more effective for Type 2 Diabetes?


It’s no surprise that over the last decade, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes has grown exponentially claiming over 19,300 deaths and affecting over 1.2 million Australians since 2021. To put things into perspective, that’s 11.2% of all deaths and at least 5% of the Australian population affected with this condition! So, how do we prevent this?

The good news is exercise can help reduce and even prevent Type 2 Diabetes but with so many exercise modalities to choose from, which is more effective? Let’s use the 2 most common modalities: Resistance Training (RT) and Aerobic Training (AT) and compare the effects it has on Type 2 Diabetes.


Resistance Training is defined as a structured exercise program with the intention of building muscle strength and size using some external resistance. One study showed that individuals with leaner body mass improved insulin sensitivity by increasing the density of insulin receptors and enhancing glycaemic control, thus promoting higher uptake of glucose. Interestingly, isometric exercises were found to reduce pressor responses which help to reduce blood pressure for hypertensive individuals who are commonly found to have Type 2 Diabetes.


Aerobic Training is defined as exercise with a repeated pattern of movement that relies on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the primary source of energy. With obesity being a major metabolic comorbidity associated with Type 2 Diabetes, Aerobic Training were shown to be more effective at increase VO2 max, caloric expenditure and fat oxidation and thus reduce overall body fat mass. Furthermore, higher energy expenditure would elicit a hormonal response from the body to secrete human growth hormones which further stimulate lipolysis.


In conclusion, both forms of training modalities offer different means to reduce precursors associated with Type 2 Diabetes. Resistance Training promote muscle building and insulin sensitivity, whereas Aerobic Training decreased insulin resistance via reduction of fat mass and inflammatory responses. It is therefore recommended that Type 2 Diabetic individuals should incorporate a mixture to get the maximum benefits of both worlds.


References:


  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Chronic Disease 2017-2018. 2018. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/diabetes/overview
  2. Bweir S, Al-Jarrah M, Almalty A, Maayah M, Smirnova IV, Novikova L, et al. Resistance exercise training lowers HbA1c more than aerobic training in adults with type 2 diabetes. Diabetology and metabolic syndrome. 2009;1(1):27-.
  3. Cornelissen VA, Smart NA. Exercise Training for Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2013;2(1):e004473,n/a.


Kenny Nguyen

Workers Compensation Specialist (AEP, ESSAM)

Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ WA

     

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