New workout could be key in ongoing war against diabetes, new research shows
The key is combining both aerobic exercise and weight training, say experts at the University of Vienna.
The team assessed the effect of aerobic exercise such as swimming, resistance exercise such as using gym weight machines and a combination of the two on blood sugar control, blood pressure and blood fats.
The study, published in the journal Diabetologia, conducted 14 trials with 915 participants.
Results showed that in patients with established diabetes, aerobic exercise is more effective in controlling blood sugar and fasting glucose than resistance training.
But a combination of the two had a far bigger impact on blood sugar control.
Researcher Lukas Schwingshackl said: “Further high quality with long-term exercise interventions are needed to develop definitive recommendations.
“In the meantime, combined aerobic and resistance training can be recommended as part of a lifestyle programme in the management of Type 2 diabetes wherever possible.