Resistance Training Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Reduces Systemic Inflammation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Henan University have conducted a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of resistance training on insulin resistance, muscle function, and systemic inflammation in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study, published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, found that resistance training was associated with significant improvements in insulin sensitivity, muscle function, and systemic inflammation in this population. Resistance training also increased muscle mass and reduced body mass index (BMI) in participants. The findings support the use of resistance training as an adjunct to lifestyle-based diabetes management strategies aimed at promoting healthier aging.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meta-analysis included 43 randomized controlled trials involving 2012 participants (55.8% women) with a mean age of 57.8 years and a mean BMI of 30.9 kg/m.
  • Resistance training was associated with improvements in markers of insulin resistance, including insulin (mean difference: -1.35 mIU/mL), HOMA-IR (mean difference: -1.15), fasting glucose (mean difference: -6.99 mg/dL), and HbA1c (mean difference: -0.55%).
  • Resistance training increased muscle mass (mean difference: 0.89 kg) and both upper-body (standardized mean difference: 2.28) and lower-body strength (standardized mean difference: 2.02).
  • A significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP; mean difference: -0.80) was observed, though no significant changes were found for tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) or interleukin-6 (IL-6).
  • The study concluded that resistance training provides consistent benefits for insulin sensitivity, muscle function, and systemic inflammation in middle-aged and older adults with T2DM.

Statistics:

  • 2012 participants were included in the meta-analysis (55.8% women)
  • Mean age: 57.8 years
  • Mean BMI: 30.9 kg/m
  • Mean insulin levels improved by 1.35 mIU/mL (standardized mean difference: -1.35)
  • HOMA-IR improved by 1.15 (standardized mean difference: -1.15)
  • Fasting glucose improved by 6.99 mg/dL (standardized mean difference: -6.99)
  • HbA1c improved by 0.55% (standardized mean difference: -0.55)
  • Muscle mass increased by 0.89 kg (standardized mean difference: 0.89)
  • Upper-body strength improved by 2.28 (standardized mean difference: 2.28)
  • Lower-body strength improved by 2.02 (standardized mean difference: 2.02)
  • CRP reduced by 0.80 (standardized mean difference: -0.80)

Sources:

  • Resistance training enhances metabolic and muscular health and reduces systemic inflammation in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2025:112941.
  • Henan University
  • School of Physical Education, Henan University
  • Elsevier Ireland Ltd, Elsevier House, Brookvale Plaza, East Park Shannon, Co, Clare, 00000, Ireland
  • NewsRx. Studies from Henan University Update Current Data on Type 2 Diabetes (Resistance training enhances metabolic and muscular health and reduces systemic inflammation in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 630.