A systematic review and meta-analysis examined how resistance training affects blood vessel health in adults with type 2 diabetes. The analysis included 20 randomized controlled trials comparing resistance training alone or combined with aerobic exercise to non-exercise controls.
Results showed that resistance training significantly reduced arterial stiffness, meaning blood vessels became more flexible. The effect was moderate but meaningful. Additionally, endothelial function—the ability of blood vessels to widen and allow blood flow—improved substantially. These benefits were seen with both resistance training alone and when combined with aerobic exercise.
However, the review found no clear effect on wave reflection indices, which measure pressure waves in arteries. Evidence for peripheral hemodynamics, or blood flow in the limbs, was inconclusive. The certainty of evidence was moderate for arterial stiffness and endothelial function, but lower for other outcomes.
The authors caution that the findings are based on overall resistance training programs, and evidence for resistance training alone is more limited. Still, adding resistance training to an exercise routine may help improve vascular health in people with type 2 diabetes.