Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Progressive resistance exercise improves glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic
Casey Irvine1, Nicholas F Taylor
1Physiotherapy, Peter James Centre, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3131, Australia. Casey.Peiris@easternhealth.org.au
Question:
Is progressive resistance exercise a safe and effective form of exercise to improve glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes?
Design:
Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Participants:
People with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Intervention:
Progressive resistance exercise.
Outcome Measures:
The primary outcome was glycaemic control measured as percentage glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes were body composition (lean body and fat free mass in kg), and muscle strength (% change in 1RM, dynamometry, change in maximum weight lifted).
Results:
The search yielded nine relevant trials that evaluated 372 people with type 2 diabetes. Compared to not exercising, progressive resistance exercise led to small and statistically significant absolute reductions in HbA1c of 0.3% (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.03). When compared to aerobic exercise there were no significant differences in HbA1c. Progressive resistance exercise resulted in large improvements in strength when compared to aerobic (SMD 1.44, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.05) or no exercise (SMD 0.95, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.31). There were no significant changes in body composition.
Conclusions:
Progressive resistance exercise increases strength and leads to small reductions in glycosylated haemoglobin that are likely to be clinically significant for people with type 2 diabetes. Progressive resistance exercise is a feasible option in the management of glycaemia for this population.
Related Concept Videos
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

