Significant

Reduction in Glucose Levels Reported on Diabetic Patients after Aerobic, Resistance Training Exercises

Diabetic patients who combine aerobic exercise with resistance training to attain an increase in fitness level and a reduction of weight were observed to have experienced significant improvements in their conditions, according to a very recent study published in the magazine Diabetic Care. It was revealed that participants who reduced their weights while increasing their fitness levels were 2.81 times more likely to realize lower levels of glucose and a considerable decrease in the use of medications to manage their diabetes, according to Dr. Timothy S. Church of Pennington Biomedical Research Center, leader of the research group. A total of 201 subjects were included in the study who were suffering from type 2 diabetes and came from different demographics. With an average age of 58 years, these patients were between 30 to 75 years old. Fitness levels of the participants were described as very poor and their average body mass index (BMI) was measured at 35 which classifies them as obese.

One group was tasked to do either the resistance training or aerobic exercise, the second group to do both exercise routines, and the third group served as the control for the study. Those in the aerobic or the resistance training group were asked to do brisk walking on an inclined treadmill at 50 to 80 percent of maximum heart rate for 140 minutes per week and basic resistance workout for the same standards. The group that was assigned to do both exercises spent 110 minutes per week doing brisk walking and 30 minutes per week for the strength training. The trial period consisted of nine months after which the respondents were assessed on their glucose levels, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat, measures of fat mass, leg muscle strength, estimated effort expended during exercise or the estimated metabolic equivalents of tasks (METS). The dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used in determining the participants body fat composition.

The authors highlighted two aspects which had huge impact on glucose levels although there were a number of criteria used in the evaluation of results. Considered to have the most impact on glucose levels were the reduction of body fat as manifested in the waist circumference and fitness level which was determined by how long a patient performed the exercise on the treadmill. This study differs from the others in that it attempts to differentiate the type of exercise to be used and it does not include in its objective methods in persuading patients to exercise. Although similar in some degree, other studies use only one type of exercise which is usually aerobic and in some cases, a combination of different factors such as diet and behavioral changes are used. To a person suffering from type 2 diabetes, aerobic and resistance training routines may really be very beneficial. A patients condition may be further improved if other measures such as diet, healthy lifestyle, and other conservative measures are incorporated in the management of the disease. This may eliminate the need for medications which may only expose patients to additional risks in light of the increasing number of complaints raised against certain type 2 diabetes medications. These injuries suffered by patients have resulted to numerous legal actions such as the Byetta lawsuits filed across the country. You may visit byettalawsuits.us for more information about this matter. References: medscape.com/viewarticle/804650?src=wnl_edit_medn_wir&spon=34 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3174102/