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At least two hours of resistance training per week reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
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People who maintain strength training throughout their average lifetime have a 42% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
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Among those who combine regular strength training, aerobic exercise and less sedentary time, the risk of diabetes is lower
TUESDAY, June 23, 2026 (NewsDay News) — Strength training may play an important role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
“This study highlights the importance of resistance training and exercise,” he said Dr. Shireen Jaggiendocrinologist at Northwell Health in Great Neck, New York, who reviewed the findings.
“We’ve seen in the past that exercise and physical activity play a key part in preventing type 2 diabetes,” he said in a news release, “But what we’re seeing now, especially with research, is that resistance training is a key part in helping prevent type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.”
Researchers who followed more than 143,000 American adults for up to 19 years found that people who regularly engaged in resistance training had lower rates of the disease. type 2 diabetes.
Compared to those who did not do resistance exercise, adults who worked out for at least two hours a week had a 27% lower risk of developing the disease.
The greatest benefit was seen among individuals who maintained resistance training throughout their average lifetime, reducing their risk by 42%.
In to read – Published on June 22 JAMA Open Network — also found that the risk of diabetes was lower among people who combined regular strength training with recommended levels of aerobic exercise and limited sedentary behavior, such as watching TV.
While an hour or more of resistance training per week meets public health guidelines, Jaggi said the findings suggest long-term fitness may be more important than just volume.
“Whether it’s 30 minutes, whether it’s an hour, whether it’s two hours, once you get it, it’s important to stick with it,” he said.
The authors of the study, led by Dr. Tianyue Zhang of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China, recommend that resistance training be included in diabetes prevention guidelines.
More information
UCLA Health has more information resistance studies and diabetes.
SOURCE: Health Day TVJune 23, 2026
What does this mean for you?
Strength training isn’t just for building muscle—it can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
