Effects of resistance training on glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Aleksandra Drzewiecka, Szymon Daniszewski, Izabela Czerny, Roksana Milaniuk, Krzysztof Talarowski, Beata Surówka et al. · Quality in Sport · 2026
Background: . Skeletal muscle is the main site of insulin-mediated glucose disposal, and its loss aggravates insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Aim: . To synthesise evidence on the mechanisms, efficacy, comparative and combined effects, training parameters, safety and prescription of resistance training for glycaemic control in adults with T2DM. Material and
Methods: . A narrative review with a structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library (2007-2026), prioritising randomised trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and guidelines.
Results: . Resistance training improves glycaemic control by increasing or preserving muscle mass, muscle glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. Meta-analyses report average HbA1c reductions of 0.3-0.6 percentage points, comparable to aerobic training, though
Findings: vary; combined training generally provides the greatest benefit. Evidence on dose is inconsistent; intensity relates to benefit more than volume. Strength gains are consistent; lean-mass effects less so. In one randomised trial, adverse events were mainly musculoskeletal and more frequent than in controls.
Conclusions: . Resistance training is effective, generally safe and guideline-endorsed. It should be undertaken 2-3 days per week, individualised, progressed gradually and, where feasible, combined with aerobic exercise. Implementation requires clinician endorsement, referral pathways and attention to adherence in older and higher-risk adults.