Today, now more than ever, you don't have to look to far to find someone who is dealing with health problems from Diabetes.
Believe it or not, Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States: While 90% of those deaths stem from type 2 diabetes.
While there is no doubt nutrition is the first element that needs to be in order for handling this disease, a successful weight training program can offer several benefits for people with type 2 diabetes to further there progress.
Here are four benefits that strength training can deliver to individuals dealing with type 2:
1 - Improved Glucose Metabolism: Diabetes is characterized by the body's inability to process glucose and use insulin efficiently. Strength training can help improve these processes, making the management of type 2 diabetes easier[1].
2 - Increased Muscle Mass: There's a connection between losing muscle mass and having type 2 diabetes. By lifting weights, you can increase your muscle mass, which provides additional storage for consumed carbohydrates. This can help regulate blood sugar levels[2].
3. Reduced Risk of Developing Diabetes: Moderate strength training and an increase in overall muscle mass can reduce a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 32 percent[3].
4.Other Health Benefits: Apart from helping manage diabetes, working out with weights also offers other health benefits. It strengthens the bones, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, assists with weight loss, and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke[4].
Remember, before starting any new exercise regime, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or a fitness professional to ensure the program is safe and suitable for the individual's health condition.