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| Author/Association: | Dadzie AQ, Babae PMN, Ruku DM |
| Title: | The effects of resistance training on hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, and muscle strength in patients with diabetes mellitus based on age (middle-aged and older adults): a systematic review and meta-analysis [with consumer summary] |
| Source: | Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2025 Dec;16(6):534-551 |
| Method: | systematic review |
| Method Score: | This is a systematic review. Systematic reviews are not rated. |
| Consumer Summary: | HIGHLIGHTS: Resistance training is one of the rehabilitation recommendations for patients with diabetes mellitus. Regular resistance training helps maintain better hemoglobin A1c levels and body mass index in middleaged and older adults with diabetes mellitus. Routine resistance training increases muscle strength in middle-aged or older adults with diabetes mellitus. Resistance training does not cause serious adverse events in middle-aged or older adults with diabetes mellitus. |
| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of resistance training on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and body mass index in patients with diabetes mellitus, categorized by age. METHODS: A comprehensive search of English-language literature published between 1997 and 2025 was performed across 6 databases (Embase, CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane, PubMed, and PEDro). Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was applied to evaluate study quality. RESULTS: Thirty randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, comprising 620 participants in the older (< 60 years of age) subgroup and 1,389 in the middle-aged (40 to 59 years of age) subgroup. In both subgroups, resistance training significantly reduced HbA1c levels and body mass index, while increasing muscle strength (primary outcome). It also significantly increased high-density lipoprotein, improved VO2 peak, and reduced low-density lipoprotein (secondary outcomes). However, the effects of resistance training were significant only in the older-adult subgroup for total cholesterol and only in the middle-aged subgroup for triglycerides. CONCLUSION: Resistance training is a recommended rehabilitation exercise for patients with diabetes mellitus. Routine resistance training has been shown to help maintain optimal HbA1c and body mass index levels and improve muscle strength. In addition, it does not pose a risk of adverse events in either middle-aged or older patients. Nonetheless, patients are advised to monitor blood glucose levels and adhere to a proper diet to achieve optimal outcomes. Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):  help |
