Living with type 2 diabetes can sometimes come with concerns about bone health as you age. A new study looked at how a specific, two-year exercise training program could help older adults maintain stronger bones and better physical function.
The researchers followed 200 elderly participants who did not have osteoporosis. Those in the exercise group showed significant improvements in bone mineral density across three different sites, including the lumbar spine and hip. They also saw improvements in muscle strength and overall physical performance compared to those receiving standard care.
While the results were promising for bone health, researchers noted a specific detail regarding trabecular bone score. This measure of bone structure improved in the exercise group but only stayed significant when not adjusted for abdominal fat levels. The program was well tolerated, with no differences in side effects between the two groups.
