Mixed
A 4-month intervention combining moderate-intensity physical activity (walking) and moderate weight loss (~7%) restores skeletal muscle mitochondrial density and oxidative capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes, which correlates with improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic control.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you do not need to perform intense, high-impact workouts to improve your metabolic health. A consistent routine of moderate-intensity walking (keeping your heart rate at 60-70% of its maximum) for about 40 minutes, combined with a modest weight loss of around 7%, can significantly increase the number and function of mitochondria in your muscles. This biological improvement directly helps lower your blood sugar and improves how your body responds to insulin.
Intensive short-term lifestyle modifications can restore mitochondrial content and functional capacity in skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetic patients. The improvement in the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle may be a key component mediating salutary effects of lifestyle interventions on hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with objective biochemical and morphological measures, though sample size is small (n=10).
Source
Effects of Physical Activity and Weight Loss on Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria and Relationship With Glucose Control in Type 2 Diabetes
Frederico G. S. Toledo et al. · Diabetes · 2007
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