Structured Physical Activity Important To Reduce HbA1c Levels

Some new research indicates that structured exercise programs including resistance training and aerobic exercise help to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The studies were performed at a hospital in Brazil. They included an analysis of studies which looked at the effects of these kinds of exercise programs for at least a 12 week duration.

HbA1c levels

Researchers were looking at the HbA1c levels of patients who had been analyzed in studies to evaluate the effects of physical activity. The study was published in the May 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Current recommendations are for patients with type 2 diabetes to do at least 150 minutes of exercise per week at a moderate intensity level for aerobic exercise.

The study showed that structured exercise was associated with a greater decline in the HbA1c levels when compared with persons in the comparison groups. It was also confirmed that doing more than 150 minutes per week had a greater effect on the levels than doing less than that amount.

Exercise combined with nutritional advice

Researchers also found that when physical activity was combined with dietary counseling, the changes were much more likely to appear than compared to the comparison groups. It's important to note that structured exercise must be implemented and not just routine physical activity.