Managing type 2 diabetes involves more than just medication. For many, physical activity is a cornerstone of daily health. New data suggests that the way you move matters just as much as how much you move. When patients combined different types of exercise rather than doing only aerobic activities like running or cycling, they saw better results in managing their blood sugar.
Researchers looked at 1,401 people with type 2 diabetes to see how different routines affected their bodies. The study found that mixed exercise programs significantly lowered glycated hemoglobin (a marker of long-term blood sugar levels) and fasting blood glucose. These patients also saw improvements in their body mass index and their maximum oxygen uptake, which measures how well the body uses oxygen during exercise.
While aerobic exercise alone did show some improvement, the combined approach was more effective for lowering blood sugar markers. It is important to note that while these results are promising for managing diabetes, the study did not find a significant change in the insulin resistance index. Talk with your doctor about how to build a balanced exercise routine that works best for your specific needs.
