INFLUENCE OF RESISTANCE TRAINING ON MITIGATING TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS COMPLICATIONS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
Abstract
Objective and methods. This narrative review synthesizes current research on the influence of RT on glycaemic control and major T1DM-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy.
Material and methods. PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases were searched for existing publications concerning influence of resistance training or anaerobic training on glycaemia and prevention of typical complications of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus among human patients and animal specimens if human based research is lacking.
Results. The evidence indicates that RT can improve glycaemic control by enhancing insulin-independent glucose uptake through increased GLUT4 expression and muscle mass. However, its effect on long-term glycaemic markers like HbA1c is inconsistent, with more significant benefits often seen when combined with aerobic training. In terms of cardiovascular health, RT may offer improvements in lipid profiles, endothelial function, and cardiac autonomic function, though findings are not uniformly positive and research is limited. RT shows promise in mitigating peripheral neuropathy by enhancing neural plasticity and muscle strength. Conversely, the direct impact of RT on autonomic neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy in T1DM patients is under-researched, with most data on nephropathy stemming from animal models and significant safety precautions advised for patients with retinopathy.
Conclusions. Overall, while RT presents a valuable intervention for managing T1DM, the current body of evidence is marked by inconsistencies and a notable lack of long-term human studies, underscoring the need for further rigorous investigation.
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