Intensive exercise lowers blood sugar by improving Beta-cell function in diabetes: Study

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2020-10-29 08:00 GMT | Update On 2020-10-29 08:22 GMT

Intensive exercise lowers blood sugar by improving Beta-cell function in diabetes: Study

According to recent research, incorporating an intensive lifestyle intervention with high volumes of exercise, in individuals with type 2 diabetes has the potential to improve the beta-cell function and blood sugar control.

The study is published in the Diabetologia journal.

It is unclear whether a lifestyle intervention can maintain blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This indicates that although the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has established lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and weight loss) as the 'gold standard' preventive therapy for diabetes, the relative contribution of exercise alone to the overall utility of the combined diet and exercise effect of DPP is still unknown; furthermore, the optimal intensity of exercise for preventing progression to diabetes remains very controversial.

Therefore, Mette Y Johansen and colleagues from the Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark conducted a study which aimed to investigate whether an intensive lifestyle intervention, with high volumes of exercise, improves beta-cell function and further, to explore the role of low-grade inflammation and body weight.

The study was a randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial including ninety-eight individuals with type 2 diabetes (duration <10 years) having a BMI of 25-40 kg/m². The patients did not have a history of insulin intake and them were taking fewer than three blood sugar-lowering medications which were randomized (2:1) to either the standard care plus intensive lifestyle group or the standard care alone group.

Standard care consisted of individual guidance on disease management, lifestyle advice, and blinded regulation of medication following a pre-specified algorithm whereas the intensive lifestyle intervention consisted of aerobic exercise sessions that took place 5-6 times per week, combined with resistance exercise sessions 2-3 times per week, with a concomitant dietary intervention aiming for a BMI of 25 kg/m².

Based on the analysis, the following findings were noted-

The intensive lifestyle group showed 40% greater improvement in the disposition index compared with the standard care group from baseline to 12 months' follow-up.
Plasma concentration of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) decreased 30% more in the intensive lifestyle group compared with the standard care group.
Statistical single mediation analysis estimated that the intervention effect on the change in IL-1ra and the change in body weight explained to a similar extent (59%) the variance in the intervention effect on the disposition index.

"Our findings show that incorporating an intensive lifestyle intervention, with high volumes of exercise, in individuals with type 2 diabetes has the potential to improve beta-cell function, associated with a decrease in low-grade inflammation and/or bodyweight", the authors concluded.

For further reference log on to:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-020-05249-7

Article Source : Diabetologia

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Nandita Mohan

Dr. Nandita Mohan is a practicing pediatric dentist with more than 5 years of clinical work experience. Along with this, she is equally interested in keeping herself up to date about the latest developments in the field of medicine and dentistry which is the driving force for her to be in association with Medical Dialogues. She also has her name attached with many publications; both national and international. She has pursued her BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore and later went to enter her dream specialty (MDS) in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. Through all the years of experience, her core interest in learning something new has never stopped. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Intensive exercise lowers blood sugar by improving Beta-cell function in diabetes: Study

Similar News

SGLT2 Inhibitors Show Promise for Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease: Study

Medical Bulletin 21/July/2025

Frailty Significantly Increases Type 2 Diabetes Risk among those with genetic predisposition, UK Study Finds

Study Finds Strong Connection Between OSA and MASLD in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Heart Healthy Habits May Shield You from Cancer, Dementia, Diabetes and More: Study

Obesity and type 2 diabetes in teen years can impair bone health: Study

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide May Lower Dementia, Stroke, and Death Risk in Diabetic Patients With Obesity: Study

Common Sweeteners Linked to Early Puberty Risk in Children: Study Finds