Combining Strength Training and Cardio Cuts Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Can Exercise Really Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?

A study of 143,715 US healthcare professionals over 20 years found that adults who maintained resistance training through midlife had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The research tracked participants from 1996 to 2016. Most were women, with an average age of 53.

Adults who engaged in regular strength training and aerobic exercise had a lower long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that combining these activities with less sedentary time is particularly effective. Researchers analyzed data from healthcare professionals who reported their physical activity levels.

Is It Too Late to Start Exercising?

The findings indicate that adults who maintained a consistent resistance training routine had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This was especially true for those who also engaged in aerobic activity and spent less time being sedentary. The study's large sample size and long follow-up period provide strong evidence for the benefits of regular exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

The data showed that the risk of type 2 diabetes decreased as the frequency and intensity of resistance training increased. Participants who reported higher levels of physical activity and less sedentary time had the lowest risk of developing the condition.

The research suggests that it's never too late to start exercising to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Even adults who began strength training and aerobic exercise in midlife saw benefits. As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise, these findings highlight the importance of regular physical activity in preventing the condition.