The Effects of Lifting Weights on Your Blood Sugar
I have long been encouraging my clients to include both aerobic exercise and strength training into their workout regimen. This recommendation is suitable for those looking to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle in addition to those with medical conditions such as diabetes. A consistent exercise program is key! A question that has recently been raised is which type of exercise is best for a person with diabetes for optimal blood glucose control?
Research published in the Diabetes Care Online Journal looked at the blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes after they spent 45 minutes either on a treadmill or lifting weights. Blood glucose was measured using continuous glucose monitors. At the end of the 45 minutes, blood glucose levels decreased in the treadmill group more than those in the weight lifting group, as one might expect. However, over the next 24 hours, the blood glucose in the weight lifting group was maintained at the lower level while the treadmill group’s blood sugar started to increase.
Surprising? In aerobic activity, the muscles are utilizing glucose quickly while you are performing the exercise. Whereas with weight lifting you are building muscle mass which helps use and store glucose beyond the time frame of the workout. Thus, weight lifting was better at controlling blood glucose over the course of a day!
Even so, experts still recommend an exercise regimen that incorporates both types of activity for best results. But do keep in mind, if you have diabetes and haven’t yet hit the weights, it may be time to start pumping that iron!*
Your turn to take action: How will you incorporate weight training into your exercise plan?
*Always check with your physician before participating in any kind of exercise
Wow, thanks so much for sharing this. I lift almost every day and do lots of cardio — since I have never had issues with blood sugar I never thought of relating the two… but good news for me I guess? Thanks for sharing your wisdom
I know, it is an interesting study. So glad to hear you lift weights, it’s so important, especially for us women.
I’m a 65 year old male that’s a type 2 diabetic. I lift weights and use the treadmill. I’ve found that the more muscle I build the better my blood sugar is.
Hi Raymond,
That’s great that you are active with both cardio and weight training, both very important in maintaining stable blood sugars!
I’ve always been one that has love lifting weights now I know for sure that it is good for you. Thanks for sharing this information.
Great Kim! There are so many benefits to weight lifting. Thanks for commenting.
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My pleasure.