Research

Hormonal

Combined endurance and resistance exercise training significantly improves baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in patients with type 2 diabetes, independent of changes in central hemodynamics.

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, engaging in a structured exercise program that includes both aerobic activity (like walking or jogging) and strength training, performed four times a week for a year, can significantly improve your body's ability to regulate blood pressure (baroreflex sensitivity). This improvement is linked to better blood sugar control rather than changes in artery stiffness. This suggests that consistent, combined exercise is a powerful tool for reducing cardiovascular risk in diabetes, even if it doesn't change the physical stiffness of your arteries.

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We concluded that exercise training improves BRS sensitivity in type 2 diabetes subjects in addition to increasing the exercise capacity and muscle strength and improving glucose control.
Antti Loimaala et al. · Diabetes · 2003

Why this rating

Randomized controlled trial with a relatively long duration (12 months) and specific population, but small sample size (n=50).

Source

Exercise Training Improves Baroreflex Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes

Antti Loimaala et al. · Diabetes · 2003

DOI 10.2337/diabetes.52.7.1837

rct · n=50Cited 210×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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