Woman exercising to manage diabetes

Beat Diabetes with Exercise: How Resistance and Endurance Training Can Help

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the surprising benefits of resistance and endurance training for women managing Type 2 Diabetes, including improved insulin sensitivity and body composition."

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and a relative insulin deficiency. Insulin resistance, where the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin, is a major factor in the development of type 2 diabetes and its long-term complications.

Adipose tissue, or body fat, isn't just a storage depot for energy; it's an active endocrine organ, producing various cytokines known as adipokines. Nesfatin-1, one of these adipokines, plays a vital role in regulating appetite, energy balance, and metabolism.

Emerging research suggests that physical activity can be a powerful tool in managing insulin resistance and improving overall health for individuals with diabetes. While factors like physical exercise affect the secretion of adipokines and heat shock proteins (HSPs), the specific impacts of exercise on nesfatin-1 and HSP70 are still being explored. This article delves into a study investigating the effects of resistance and endurance training on these key markers in women with type 2 diabetes.

How Do Resistance and Endurance Training Impact Key Health Markers in Women with Type 2 Diabetes?

A recent study investigated the effects of resistance and endurance training on women with type 2 diabetes. The study involved 26 women with type 2 diabetes, divided into three groups: a resistance training group, an endurance training group, and a control group. The training groups participated in a 10-week exercise program, while the control group maintained their usual sedentary lifestyle.

Here’s a breakdown of the training protocols:

Resistance Training: Participants engaged in three sessions per week, utilizing eight different fitness machines and free weights. The intensity gradually increased from 30-50% of one repetition maximum (1RM) to 70-80% of 1RM in the final sessions. Each workout included a warm-up, 40 minutes of resistance training, and a cool-down.
Endurance Training: Participants exercised three times per week on a cycle ergometer. The intensity started at 40-50% of maximum heart rate (HR max) for 20-25 minutes, progressing to 70-80% of HR max for 40-45 minutes. Each session included warm-up, cycling, and cool-down.

The study revealed some intriguing results. The resistance training group experienced a significant increase in nesfatin-1 levels and a significant decrease in HSP70 levels. Both training groups saw significant decreases in glucose levels, insulin resistance (HOMA1-IR), and body composition indices (except for waist-to-hip ratio). However, insulin levels didn't significantly change in either training group.

The Takeaway: Exercise as a Complementary Therapy for Diabetes

The study's findings suggest that both resistance and endurance training can be valuable tools in managing type 2 diabetes in women. Resistance training appears to have a unique impact on nesfatin-1 and HSP70 levels, while both forms of exercise contribute to improved glucose control, insulin resistance, and body composition. Incorporating these exercise modalities, alongside diet and medical interventions, may empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.scispo.2018.04.010, Alternate LINK

Title: The Effects Of Resistance And Endurance Training On Levels Of Nesfatin-1, Hsp70, Insulin Resistance And Body Composition In Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Subject: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Journal: Science & Sports

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: M. Mogharnasi, A. Tajitabas, M. Tashakorizadeh, S.H. Nayebifar

Published: 2019-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is insulin resistance and how did the exercises affect it?

Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. This is a major factor in the development of Type 2 Diabetes and its complications. In the study, both Resistance Training and Endurance Training showed significant decreases in insulin resistance (HOMA1-IR), indicating that these exercises can help the body better utilize insulin and manage blood sugar.

What is Nesfatin-1 and why is it relevant?

Nesfatin-1 is an adipokine, a substance produced by adipose tissue (body fat), that plays a role in regulating appetite, energy balance, and metabolism. The study found that Resistance Training led to a significant increase in nesfatin-1 levels. While the exact implications are still being researched, this suggests that Resistance Training may have a positive impact on metabolic health by influencing this key adipokine.

What is HSP70 and how did the exercises impact it?

HSP70, or Heat Shock Protein 70, is a protein that cells produce in response to stress. The study found that Resistance Training led to a significant decrease in HSP70 levels. The implications of this decrease are still being explored, but it suggests that Resistance Training may have a different impact on cellular stress responses compared to Endurance Training.

What were the specific exercise programs used in the study?

The study involved two main types of exercise: Resistance Training and Endurance Training. Resistance Training used weights and machines to build muscle strength, while Endurance Training used a cycle ergometer to improve cardiovascular fitness. The Resistance Training group engaged in three sessions per week using fitness machines and free weights, with increasing intensity. The Endurance Training group also exercised three times per week on a cycle ergometer with increasing intensity and duration. Both types of training were shown to improve various health markers in women with Type 2 Diabetes.

What are the key takeaways from the study regarding exercise and diabetes?

The study's findings highlight the benefits of both Resistance Training and Endurance Training for managing Type 2 Diabetes in women. Both types of exercise led to improvements in glucose control, insulin resistance, and body composition. Resistance Training specifically impacted nesfatin-1 and HSP70 levels. These results suggest that incorporating these exercises, along with diet and medical interventions, can be a valuable approach for individuals to improve their health and well-being.