Exercise Improves Insulin Sensitivity — Even Without Weight Loss
Research published in Diabetes Care (2003;26:557–562) followed 18 sedentary men and women for six months. Participants walked for 30 minutes per day, three to seven days per week.
Key findings:
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Insulin sensitivity improved
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Blood lipid markers improved
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No weight loss occurred, yet metabolic health still improved
The researchers concluded that moderate, regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic markers independently of weight loss. Even without changes in abdominal fat, exercise reduced indicators associated with the development of type 2 diabetes.
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