Resistance Training for Type 1 Diabetes

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Sarah P King, BS,BA

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Louisville

Disqualifiers: Physical limitations, Non-English-speaking

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

15 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how different resistance training exercises affect blood sugar levels in young athletes with Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM). Participants will perform exercises such as bench press, deadlift, and seated overhead press to assess the impact on diabetes management. It is ideal for those who have had T1DM for at least two years, already use a continuous glucose monitor, and have experience with strength training. The goal is to identify effective ways to control blood sugar while remaining active. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative research that could improve diabetes management strategies for active individuals.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to ask the study team for more details.

What prior data suggests that resistance training is safe for young athletes with Type 1 Diabetes?

Research has shown that resistance training safely and effectively improves heart health in adults, regardless of heart disease status. One study found that resistance training also helps control blood sugar levels, which is crucial for managing diabetes.

Although resistance exercise doesn't immediately lower blood sugar significantly, it reduces blood sugar over time, making it a valuable method for diabetes management. No major safety concerns have been identified with resistance training, making it a well-tolerated way to enhance health in people with diabetes. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about resistance training for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes because it offers a non-pharmacological approach to managing the condition. Unlike standard treatments that often rely on insulin therapy and glucose monitoring, resistance training can improve muscle strength and insulin sensitivity without medication. This method involves exercises like bench press, deadlift, and seated overhead press, which can help regulate blood sugar levels naturally by enhancing the body's ability to use insulin. Additionally, it promotes overall health and well-being, making it a holistic approach that could complement existing diabetes management strategies.

What evidence suggests that resistance training might be an effective treatment for Type 1 Diabetes?

Research shows that resistance training, which participants in this trial will engage in, can help people with Type 1 Diabetes manage their blood sugar more effectively. Studies have found that this type of exercise can lower blood sugar levels for an extended period after working out. It is also more effective than aerobic exercise for improving overall blood sugar levels and body composition. Although most research has focused on Type 2 Diabetes, evidence suggests that people with Type 1 can also benefit. Over time, resistance training might increase muscle strength and help maintain healthier blood sugar levels. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young athletes who have had Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) for at least two years, use continuous glucose monitoring, and are familiar with strength training. They must be over 13 years old and have an HbA1C level of 10% or lower. It's not suitable for those with physical limitations that affect exercise or non-English speakers.

Inclusion Criteria

I use a continuous glucose monitor for my diabetes.

Your HbA1C level is less than or equal to 10%.

I am 13 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Non-English-speaking individual

I have a physical condition that might stop me from completing study tasks.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in resistance training methods such as bench press, deadlift, and seated overhead press machine to assess glucose response

12 weeks

Weekly in-person sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Resistance Training

Trial Overview

The study is examining how different resistance training programs impact blood sugar control in individuals with T1DM. Participants will engage in various strength-training exercises to see which regimen might be most beneficial.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Resistance Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Bench press, Deadlift, Seated overhead press machine

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Louisville

Lead Sponsor

Trials

353

Recruited

76,400+

Norton Healthcare

Collaborator

Trials

17

Recruited

2,900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Resistance training (RT) is effective for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a significant pooled effect size of -0.34% in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels based on a meta-analysis of 23 studies involving 954 patients.

Patients with T2DM who have a shorter duration of diabetes (less than 6 years) and higher baseline HbA1c levels (≥7.5%) benefit more from RT, while those with higher baseline BMI (≥32 kg/m²) see less improvement, suggesting that RT is particularly beneficial for early-stage T2DM patients with poor glycemic control.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In Search of the Ideal Resistance Training Program to Improve Glycemic Control and its Indication for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ishiguro, H., Kodama, S., Horikawa, C., et al.[2022]

A 3-month resistance training program significantly increased maximal muscle strength in 11 male patients with long-term type 1 diabetes, indicating that they can adapt well to physical training.

Despite the improvement in muscle strength, there were no significant changes in serum irisin levels or metabolic control parameters like HbA1c, suggesting that while strength can improve, other metabolic factors may remain unchanged.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The influence of resistance training on muscle strength, irisin concentration, and metabolic parameters in type 1 diabetic patients. Wróbel, M., Gołaś, A., Rokicka, D., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 14 physically active individuals with type 1 diabetes, a single session of strenuous resistance exercise did not significantly change insulin sensitivity compared to a non-exercise control group.

Insulin sensitivity was measured using a precise technique before exercise and at 12 and 36 hours after, showing no significant differences over time or between the groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Insulin-sensitivity response to a single bout of resistive exercise in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Jimenez, C., Santiago, M., Sitler, M., et al.[2019]

Resistance training is an important addition to exercise programs for individuals with diabetes, as it enhances muscular conditioning and overall health.

The article provides guidelines for safely prescribing resistance training for people with diabetes, considering both those with and without vascular complications, ensuring effective and safe exercise regimens.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resistance training guidelines for individuals with diabetes mellitus. Soukup, JT., Maynard, TS., Kovaleski, JE.[2017]

In a study involving 12 individuals with type 1 diabetes, resistance exercise led to a smaller initial drop in blood glucose during the activity compared to aerobic exercise, but resulted in more sustained reductions in blood glucose levels afterward.

The findings suggest that resistance exercise may be more effective than aerobic exercise for managing post-exercise glycemia, which could help explain the observed reductions in HbA(1c) levels associated with resistance training in type 1 diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resistance versus aerobic exercise: acute effects on glycemia in type 1 diabetes. Yardley, JE., Kenny, GP., Perkins, BA., et al.[2022]

Exercise training, particularly a combination of strength exercises and high-intensity interval training, may help reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) compared to continuous aerobic exercise.

This proposed training regimen, performed three times a week, aims to improve long-term health markers and reduce the risk of complications associated with T1DM by enhancing glycemic control and overall physical fitness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise for type 1 diabetes mellitus management: General considerations and new directions. Farinha, JB., Krause, M., Rodrigues-Krause, J., et al.[2022]

Resistance training significantly reduces glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), indicating improved glycemic control, based on a review of five studies.

Longer resistance training interventions, particularly in children and adolescents, not only lowered HbA1c but also increased strength and improved lipid profiles, suggesting additional health benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of resistance training on the glycemic control of people with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. de Abreu de Lima, V., de Menezes, FJ., da Rocha Celli, L., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 131 aerobically active individuals with type 1 diabetes, adding resistance training did not significantly change glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared to those who only performed aerobic exercise.

However, participants who engaged in resistance training experienced greater increases in muscular strength and a more significant reduction in waist circumference over 22 weeks, indicating benefits in body composition and fitness without affecting glycemic control.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Resistance Exercise in Already Active Diabetic Individuals (READI) Randomized Clinical Trial. Sigal, RJ., Yardley, JE., Perkins, BA., et al.[2023]

Resistance training (RT) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and the incidence of cardiovascular disease while improving physical functioning in adults, based on an analysis of 11 systematic reviews involving over 382,000 participants.

Although adverse events were not consistently reported, serious adverse events related to RT were uncommon, suggesting that the benefits of resistance training outweigh the potential harms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resistance training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. El-Kotob, R., Ponzano, M., Chaput, JP., et al.[2021]

Citations

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10697639/

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Resistance training has shown the potential to contribute to better glycemic control in people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), however, there are contradictory ...

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dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13098-025-01793-7

Effects of home- and gym-based resistance training on ...

This meta-analysis confirms the effectiveness of RT in reducing HbA1c levels in individuals with T2DM.

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sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168822725000932

The efficacy of resistance exercise training on metabolic ...

These findings suggest that RET is beneficial for enhancing glycemic control, lipid profiles, lean mass, and muscle strength in older adults with T2DM.

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diabetesjournals.org

diabetesjournals.org/care/article/36/3/537/38023/Resistance-Versus-Aerobic-ExerciseAcute-effects-on

Resistance Versus Aerobic Exercise | Diabetes Care

Resistance exercise causes less initial decline in blood glucose during the activity but is associated with more prolonged reductions in postexercise glycemia ...

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Strength training is more effective than aerobic exercise for improving glycaemic control and body composition in people with normal-weight type ...

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Strength training is more effective than aerobic exercise for improving glycaemic control and body composition in people with normal-weight type 2 diabetes.

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ahajournals.org

ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001189

Resistance Exercise Training in Individuals With and ...

Resistance training is a safe and effective approach for improving cardiovascular health in adults with and without cardiovascular disease.

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everydayhealth.com

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Why Lifting Weights Is So Healthy for Type 1 Diabetes

Resistance training can improve blood sugar control. · Resistance training may help lower A1C levels in some people with diabetes. · Some people ...

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Resistance Training in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of this study is to learn how different resistance training programs affects blood sugar in young athletes with T1DM. Detailed Description. Strength ...