Diabetes Research
As a diabetic, or prediabetic, you’ve undoubtedly heard that diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications are recommended as a part of the treatment for your disease. What you may not know is just how significant these factors can be in treating your disease. Below is a minute sampling of some of the research available.
It is now well established that participation in regular physical activity improves blood glucose control and can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes along with positively affecting lipids, blood pressure, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Diabetes Care, 2010
There is compelling evidence indicating that the components of metabolic syndrome (obesity and high blood pressure) can be targeted with lifestyle interventions to prevent the complications of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Geriatrics and Aging, 2007
In patients with type 2 diabetes, significant improvements in A1 C. values and better glycemic control could be achieved by a regular exercise program as an intervention. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 2010
Structured interventions combining physical activity and modest weight loss have been shown to lower type 2 diabetes risk by up to 58% in high-risk populations. Diabetes Care, 2010
Resistance training has a clinically and statistically significant effect on metabolic syndrome risk factors such as obesity, A1-c levels and systolic blood pressure and therefore should be recommended in the management of type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. Sports Medicine, 2010
Aerobic or resistance training alone improves glycemic control of diabetes, but the improvements are greatest with combined aerobic and resistance training. Ann Intern Med, 2007
Structured exercise training that consists of aerobic exercise, resistance training, or both combined is associated with A1-c reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. JAMA 2011
Combined lifestyle behavior is a strong predictor of all cause and cause specific mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2012
The majority of patients with diabetes or at highest risk for developing type 2 diabetes do not engage in regular physical activity with a rate significantly below national norms. Diabetes Care, 2007
American Diabetes Association Statement: analysis of all the studies show a consistent trend that lifestyle changes are about as effective as drug therapy in delaying or preventing type II diabetes.