The number of people suffering from type 2 diabetes is increasing. The condition features a malfunction of the endocrine system, which causes significantly lower activity in the pancreas, consequently leading to impaired secretion of insulin or lower sensitivity of the target tissue to insulin. However, with an active lifestyle we can influence not only the treatment of the illness, but also lower the possibility of its occurrence. People with type 2 diabetes are, therefore, recommended to use aerobics as well as resistance training. After examining references, no unified references concerning the type of resistance exercise best used for an acute effect on blood sugar levels were found.
The goal of our research was to compare acute effects of two resistance exercising methods on people inflicted with type 2 diabetes. The researched included 15 participants diagnosed with the aforementioned condition. They received different forms of therapy. Before commencing the tests, the participants filled out questionnaires on their state of health and then completed the elderly fitness tests. The participants performed five resistance exercises at three different exercise units. They performed (1) leg extensions on the leg press, (2) horizontal shoulder flexes, (3) chest pulls, (4) torso extensions and (5) pulls. At the first exercise unit the participants’ one-repetition maximum was determined with the submaximal exercise method. What followed were two exercise units, each of them performed in a one-week interval. The participants randomly performed these exercises; once using an intensive method, once using a standard method 1. They measured their blood sugar levels before, 10 minutes after, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after the exercise using a portable blood sugar monitor.
The results of the measurements were analysed with ANOVA for repeated measures in the statistical programme SPSS and it was found out that blood sugar levels measured in four-time intervals do not significantly differ between each other. No statistical differences were discovered even when considering the method of the exercise. The t-test for dependent samples indicated different blood sugar levels before the exercise and 10 minutes after the exercise when using the intensive resistance exercise method. A statistically significant difference was noted when comparing blood sugar levels 10 minutes after the exercise between the intensive method and standard method 1.
The research did not show the expected results indicating blood sugar level differences. Considering the results, further thought could be given to the fact if using heavy loads, which can be dangerous if not properly performed and professionally supervised, in elderly groups really is important for lowering blood sugar levels. Despite the results, theory confirms favourable effects of resistance exercise on people with diabetes of any form.
The limits of the research were a small sample of participants, an inaccurate blood glucose level measurement method, an unsuitable and poorly monitored diet, the level of physical activity before coming to an exercise unit, psychological stress, and the accuracy of the method determining the one-repetition maximum.
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