Surreal illustration showing the contrasting effects of exercise and lipid management for diabetes prevention in men and women.

Fitness vs. Diabetes: Does Exercise Impact Men and Women Differently?

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

"New research suggests that while increased cardiorespiratory fitness benefits pre-diabetic men, women may find more success in managing lipid profiles."

The global rise of type 2 diabetes is a growing concern, with projections estimating 438 million people affected by 2030. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors like obesity and inactivity are major drivers. Understanding how these factors impact individuals differently is crucial for effective prevention.

Previous research has explored the link between physical fitness and type 2 diabetes. However, many studies relied on self-reported activity levels, which can be inaccurate. More recent studies using objective measures of cardiorespiratory fitness confirm an inverse relationship with diabetes risk, but often overlook gender-specific differences.

A study published in Clinics sought to address these gaps by investigating how cardiorespiratory fitness and other risk factors relate to glucose levels in pre-diabetic men and women. The findings reveal surprising differences that could reshape diabetes prevention programs.

Decoding the Fitness-Diabetes Connection: What the Study Revealed

Surreal illustration showing the contrasting effects of exercise and lipid management for diabetes prevention in men and women.

The study involved 32 pre-diabetic men (average age 57.2) and 40 pre-diabetic women (average age 55.0). Researchers measured various factors, including cardiorespiratory fitness (via maximal power output on a cycle ergometer test), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. They then used statistical models to identify predictors of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour plasma glucose (2-h PG) levels.

Here's a breakdown of the key findings:

Men: Cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely related to 2-h PG levels. Age and fitness were significant predictors of 2-h PG. BMI was the sole predictor of FPG levels.
Women: No significant correlation was found between cardiorespiratory fitness and glucose levels. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was predictive of 2-h PG, while triglycerides (TG) predicted FPG levels.

These results suggest that improving cardiorespiratory fitness may be more critical for managing glucose levels in pre-diabetic men, while women might benefit more from focusing on improving their lipid profiles (HDL and triglycerides).

The Road Ahead: Personalizing Diabetes Prevention

This study highlights the importance of considering gender-specific approaches to diabetes prevention. While increasing cardiorespiratory fitness remains a cornerstone of overall health for both sexes, the research suggests that men and women may benefit from different strategies in the pre-diabetic stage. For men, prioritizing exercise to boost fitness levels appears crucial, while women might see greater benefits from dietary interventions aimed at improving their lipid profiles. Further research is needed to refine these strategies and develop truly personalized diabetes prevention programs.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the main finding of the study regarding cardiorespiratory fitness and glucose levels in men and women?

The study revealed that for men, cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely related to 2-hour plasma glucose (2-h PG) levels, with age and fitness being significant predictors of 2-h PG. For women, no significant correlation was found between cardiorespiratory fitness and glucose levels. Instead, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was predictive of 2-h PG, and triglycerides (TG) predicted fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. This suggests that the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on glucose management differs between genders in the pre-diabetic stage.

What specific factors were measured in the study to assess the link between fitness and diabetes?

The study measured several key factors to understand the fitness-diabetes connection. These included cardiorespiratory fitness, assessed via maximal power output on a cycle ergometer test, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Researchers then used statistical models to analyze how these factors related to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour plasma glucose (2-h PG) levels in both men and women. Additionally, the study took into account age, and body mass index (BMI).

How can pre-diabetic men and women use the study findings to improve their health?

The study suggests different strategies for men and women. Men should prioritize exercise to boost cardiorespiratory fitness, as it was directly linked to glucose management. Women, on the other hand, might benefit more from focusing on improving their lipid profiles, specifically their high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, potentially through dietary changes. Both sexes should, however, consider these findings as part of a broader approach to diabetes prevention and overall health.

What are the implications of the study's findings for diabetes prevention programs?

The study's findings highlight the need for personalized diabetes prevention programs that consider gender-specific approaches. It suggests that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to exercise and diet might not be optimal. While exercise to improve cardiorespiratory fitness remains important for overall health, diabetes prevention programs should be tailored to address the specific risk factors and physiological responses of men and women. For men, focusing on cardiorespiratory fitness may be crucial, while women might benefit from strategies to improve their lipid profiles. This personalization could lead to more effective prevention strategies.

What were the key differences in the predictors of glucose levels between men and women in the study?

In men, cardiorespiratory fitness, age, and BMI were significant predictors of glucose levels. Specifically, cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely related to 2-h PG levels, indicating that higher fitness levels were associated with lower glucose levels. In women, the study found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) were predictive of 2-h PG and FPG levels, respectively. This suggests that for women, lipid profiles are more strongly linked to glucose management in the pre-diabetic stage, compared to cardiorespiratory fitness.