Weightlifting beats running for blood sugar control, researchers find
4 hours ago
- #Metabolic Health
- #Diabetes Prevention
- #Exercise Science
- A preclinical study from Virginia Tech found resistance training (weightlifting) to be more effective than endurance exercise (running) at improving insulin sensitivity in obesity and Type 2 diabetes models.
- Researchers developed a novel mouse model for weightlifting to directly compare voluntary running and resistance training effects on fat reduction, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance.
- While both exercise types enhanced metabolic function, resistance training uniquely reduced subcutaneous and visceral fat, improved glucose maintenance, and enhanced skeletal muscle insulin signaling.
- The benefits of weightlifting were not linked to changes in muscle mass or exercise performance, pointing to distinct metabolic mechanisms, which could inform future diabetes drug therapies.
- The study highlights the importance of combining both endurance and resistance exercise for optimal health benefits, especially for individuals unable to engage in endurance activities.
- These findings support exercise as a key, accessible approach to diabetes and obesity management, complementing but not replaced by pharmacological treatments like GLP-1 agonists.