Weight Loss and Exercise for Diabetes: What Actually Works
Strength training plus daily movement outperforms cardio alone for diabetes weight loss, and extreme programmes often stall progress. Here is what works.
Why Weight Loss and Diabetes Are So Closely Linked
Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, directly worsens insulin resistance. This is why weight loss exercise is such a consistent theme in diabetes management, but the type of exercise matters as much as doing it at all.
The Best Exercise for Diabetes Weight Loss
A combination of strength training and daily movement outperforms cardio alone. Strength training builds muscle, and muscle is your body's largest glucose storage site. Daily movement, walking specifically after meals, handles the immediate glucose response, while 2 to 3 strength sessions a week build longer-term insulin sensitivity.
Why Crash Diets and Extreme Exercise Backfire
Aggressive calorie restriction and intense exercise programs often raise cortisol, which itself worsens insulin resistance and can stall weight loss despite the effort involved.
Explore the full Movement pillar, or book a consultation to build a weight loss and movement plan around your actual routine.
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