Resistance Training for Diabetes Prevention and Therapy: Experimental Findings and Molecular Mechanisms

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is characterized by insulin resistance, impaired glycogen synthesis, lipid accumulation, and impaired mitochondrial function. Exercise training has received increasing recognition as a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of T2D. Emerging research suggests that resistance training (RT) has the power to combat metabolic dysfunction in patients with T2D and seems to be an effective measure to improve overall metabolic health and reduce metabolic risk factors in diabetic patients. However, there is limited mechanistic insight into how these adaptations occur. This review provides an overview of the intervention data on the impact of RT on glucose metabolism. In addition, the molecular mechanisms that lead to adaptation in skeletal muscle in response to RT and that are associated with possible beneficial metabolic responses are discussed. Some of the beneficial adaptations exerted by RT include increased GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle, increased insulin sensitivity and hence restored metabolic flexibility. Increased energy expenditure and excess postexercise oxygen consumption in response to RT may be other beneficial effects. RT is increasingly establishing itself as an effective measure to improve overall metabolic health and reduce metabolic risk factors in diabetic patients.

The Effect of Rubber Band Resistance Exercise on Blood Glucose Level of Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…The World Health Organization forecast that the number of people with T2DM will double from 347 million in 2008 to about 550 million worldwide by the year 2030, largely because of dietary and other lifestyle factors [1]. Therefore, the disease is a growing public health concern and alarmingly dangerous condition, especially to health care systems.…”

“…Furthermore, PA has received increasing recognition as a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of T2DM. PA in the form of regular exercise can improve blood glucose control, maintain or lose weight, prevent obesity, normalize blood pressure and improve insulin action (Strasser & Pesta, 2013). Participant in PA on a regular basis is linked to the prevention of illness and improvement in health status.…”

The Effects of Supervised Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training on Sri Lankan Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - Sri Lanka Diabetes Aerobic and Resistance Training (SL-DART) Study

“…This is to maintain fasting blood glucose (FBG) level at ≤ 126 mg/dl and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) which is the main parameter to monitor long term glycemic control at < 6.5% (normal values are 4% -6.5%) [33]. Other objectives of T2DM management are to maintain optimal blood lipid profiles, blood pressure [6] and visceral adiposity [7] which also contribute to glucose control and prevention of complications.…”

“…Exercise is known to improve blood glucose, lipid profiles, blood pressure [6] and visceral adiposity [7] which are goals of diabetes management. Aerobic exercise training (AT) interventions have been studied widely; resistance exercises training (RT) interventions are becoming more prevalent.…”

“…South Asia is the home to almost one-fifth of the world's population [2]. South Asians are more prone to T2DM compared to other ethnicities [3].There is a high prevalence of diabetes (10-15%) in South Asian Sri Lankans [4] who are at a greater risk of CVD [5].Exercise is known to improve blood glucose, lipid profiles, blood pressure [6] and visceral adiposity [7] which are goals of diabetes management. Aerobic exercise training (AT) interventions have been studied widely; resistance exercises training (RT) interventions are becoming more prevalent.…”