Resistance Training for Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people in India. It is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin well. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get from the blood into the cells. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and can cause a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.

Resistance training is a type of exercise that involves using weights or other forms of resistance to build muscle strength and endurance. It has been shown to be an effective way to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Here are some of the benefits of resistance training for diabetes:

* Improves insulin sensitivity: Resistance training can help to improve the body's sensitivity to insulin. This means that the body can use insulin more effectively to lower blood sugar levels.

* Increases muscle mass: Resistance training can help to increase muscle mass. Muscle is a metabolically active tissue, which means that it burns calories even at rest. This can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve overall fitness.

* Reduces body fat: Resistance training can help to reduce body fat. Body fat is a major risk factor for diabetes. Reducing body fat can help to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of developing diabetes complications.

* Improves cardiovascular health: Resistance training can help to improve cardiovascular health. This is important for people with diabetes, who are at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before starting a resistance training program. Your doctor can help you to develop a safe and effective exercise plan.

Dr. Shyam Sundar C M MBBS, MD, DM (Endocrinology) Consultant Endocrinologist

Content Reference Links:

* [Resistance Training for Diabetes]

* [The Benefits of Resistance Training for People With Diabetes]

* [Resistance training for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis]