Background: Skeletal muscle plays a significant role in the metabolism of glucose hence low muscle mass and metabolic capacity strongly relate to insulin insensitivity, poor glycemic control and type 2 diabetes. Due to its numerous positive effects on muscle size and metabolism, the resistance training has a high potential for management and control of the disease. Methods: A search of scientific reports on the effects of resistance training on glycemic control and body composition in subjects with type 2 diabetes published from 2002 to 2013 has been made in various databases. Based on the intensity of resistance training used, the studies were categorized into three groups, i.e. low (≤50 % 1RM), moderate (60-70 % 1RM), and high (≥70 % 1RM) intensity. Results: The initial search produced 138 studies of which 13 studies were included in the final analysis. Conclusions: The improvements in glycemic control and body composition in subjects with type 2 diabetes increase with intensity and duration of the resistance training program. The high intensity programs of longer duration exhibit the strongest effect on blood glucose control, body composition and gains in muscle strength.
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