The importance of resistance training, such as bodybuilding and functional training, to increase the life expectancy of people living with diabetes was proven by a study conducted by biologists from University of Campinas (Unicamp). So far, the research has only been done on mice. However, it has already shown promising results in rodents.
The impact of these activities on the health of rats with type 1 diabetes was evaluated. During the tests, it became clear that weight training was able to prevent the dysfunction and death of the animals' pancreatic cells.
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The animals were submitted to strength training five times a week for almost three months, with progressive intensities. After ten weeks of muscular resistance exercises, there was an improvement in glucose tolerance and a reduction in blood glucose levels in rodents. Furthermore, the animals' pancreas was able to secrete more insulin naturally and also processed sugar better.
This may indicate that weight training and other resistance training may make animals less dependent on medication and external use of insulin to control diabetes.
Relationship between bodybuilding and other strength training with diabetes treatment
The scientists behind the research highlighted that strength training is just as beneficial as aerobic exercise – such as running and swimming– to control diabetes. Aerobics, by the way, were already recommended to control the disease.
Researcher Gabriela Alves Bronczek, one of those responsible for the study, said that the molecules released during bodybuilding can improve the functioning of the cells of the rats and, with that, provide all the benefits of the training aerobic. The discovery could pave the way for a more effective prescription of physical activity for patients with diabetes.
new approaches
In addition, the study showed that there may still be a better understanding of how physical activity impacts on glycemic homeostasis. More than that, the published article suggests the possibility of new approaches for the control and treatment of diabetes.
Bronczek also mentions the possibility of isolating the molecules produced by the pancreas of rats who exercised and use them in patients with type 1 diabetes, through synthesis or isolation. This may represent a new therapeutic approach for treating this condition, providing alternatives to traditional medications.
Graduated in Social Communication at the Federal University of Goiás. Passionate about digital media, pop culture, technology, politics and psychoanalysis.