How high-force eccentric resistance exercise can improve glucose control for diabetics

With diabetes affecting roughly 24 million children and adults in the United States today (about 8%), treatment options range far and wide, from prescribed medications to general life alterations. Many diabetics are instructed to increase the amount of physical activity in their lives since type 2 diabetes is facilitated by a lack of it. Aerobic exercise such as walking, biking and running are forms of physical activity generally recommended since they increase insulin sensitivity and can restore a normal glucose metabolism by decreasing fat. A new study found that in addition to regular aerobic exercise, a high-force strength component could also be beneficial to type 2 diabetics. The primary reason for the study was to point out that physical therapy has been proven to be a cost-effective treatment alternative to diabetes drugs, many of which are extremely expensive and can cause side effects.

The study, which was conducted by the Physical Therapy (PTJ), evaluated 15 type 2 diabetics who participated in a 16-week exercise program. Of the 15 subjects, seven were assigned to a combination of simple aerobic exercises and an eccentric resistance program, while the eight others stuck to aerobic exercise only. The eccentric resistance exercise program was specifically designed to increase strength and muscle size. After the trial, both groups showed improved glucose control and physical performance in a 6-minute walk and a decrease in fat composition within their leg muscles; however, the group that participated in both aerobic exercise and eccentric training improved in more categories, most significantly in a decreased overall BMI (body mass index) and a gain in leg muscle, which can help increase physical activity. Furthermore, study regulators noted that resistance training can also lead to improved thigh lean tissue, which can help patients increase their resting metabolic rate, protein reserve, exercise tolerance, and functional mobility. ThisPTJ study is just one of many directed towards pointing out that physical therapy can be a veritable force in fighting against diabetes.

-As reported in an Oct. release from apta.org

-By Greg Gargiulo