Research
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Physical exercise induces transient oxidative stress (hormesis) which triggers adaptive responses, including increased antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, GPx) and mitochondrial biogenesis, ultimately reducing baseline oxidative stress in Type 2 Diabetes.
Engage in regular physical exercise, including moderate-intensity, resistance, or high-intensity interval training. While exercise temporarily increases oxidative stress, this triggers your body to produce more antioxidant enzymes and improve mitochondrial health, reducing overall oxidative stress.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
The production of ROS during exercise is transient, with a peak of biomarker levels of oxidative damage between 24 and 48 h [97], inducing adaptation following the “hormesis” principle [93], thus enabling the activation of various signalling pathways that converge on the activation of transcription factors like Nrf2... The activation of Nrf2, NF-κB, and PGC-1α through exercise leads to an increase in the content and activity of enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GPx [94,96,97,99].
Why this rating
Review paper describing mechanisms and general effects; no specific human trial data provided.
Source
Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes: Impacts from Pathogenesis to Lifestyle Modifications
Alfredo Caturano et al. · Current Issues in Molecular Biology · 2023
DOI 10.3390/cimb45080420
narrative_reviewCited 490×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high intake of polyphenols, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, counteracts oxidative stress and insulin resistance in Type 2 Diabetes by activating the NRF2 antioxidant pathway and reducing pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.Moderate
- Intermittent fasting (IF) and time-restricted feeding (TRF) reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes by activating AMPK and SIRT3, which promotes autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis.Moderate
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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