Resistance Exercise for Type 1 Diabetes

This trial examines how different types of weight lifting affect blood sugar levels in post-menopausal women with type 1 diabetes. Researchers compare two exercise routines: one with lighter weights and more repetitions (High repetition, HI) and another with heavier weights and fewer repetitions (Moderate repetition, MOD). The goal is to determine which routine more significantly impacts blood sugar during and after exercise. Women with type 1 diabetes who have not had a menstrual period for at least a year and can perform resistance exercises may be suitable for this study. Participants should reside near Edmonton, Alberta, to attend sessions at the University of Alberta. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how exercise can manage diabetes.

The trial requires that participants do not take medications other than insulin that affect glucose metabolism, such as atypical antipsychotics or corticosteroids.

Research has shown that both high repetition and moderate repetition resistance exercises are generally safe for people with type 1 diabetes. Studies indicate that high-intensity interval exercise, similar to high repetition workouts, is safe for adults with diabetes and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels during and immediately after exercise.

For moderate repetition exercises, research supports that resistance training is safe and can improve heart health, benefiting individuals with and without heart-related conditions. Both exercise types safely lower blood sugar levels after exercising.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different resistance exercise protocols can benefit people with Type 1 Diabetes. Unlike traditional management options, which often focus on insulin therapy and dietary modifications, this study looks at how physical exercise, particularly high repetition, low resistance, and moderate repetition, moderate intensity workouts, can impact blood sugar control. The unique focus here is on understanding how different exercise intensities and repetitions might improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health, potentially offering a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing the condition.

Research shows that strength training can help people with type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. In this trial, participants will undergo two separate interventions: a high repetition, low resistance protocol, and a moderate repetition, moderate intensity protocol. Studies indicate that many repetitions with lighter weights often cause a bigger drop in blood sugar during the workout. In contrast, a moderate number of repetitions with moderate weights may help keep blood sugar levels more stable immediately after exercising. Both types of strength training are linked to better long-term blood sugar control, which is crucial for managing type 1 diabetes. Thus, both high and moderate repetition exercises can be beneficial, each offering its own advantages.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰