The benefits of sport
Practicing physical activity is essential to maintaining good health. In addition to the fact that sport helps avoid cardiovascular diseases, obesity and even mental illnesses, it also plays a role in the blood sugar level in the body.
Blood sugar corresponds to the concentration of glucose present in the blood. Glucose can come from several sources, but most of the time this sugar is present in our bodies through food. It serves as the primary fuel for the body's cells to produce energy.
However, sometimes the blood sugar level is above normal values, which are between 0.70 and 1.10 g per liter of blood on an empty stomach, depending on Elsan. In the case of hyperglycemia, which is due to insufficient insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter cells, can subsequently lead to type 2 diabetes.
To regulate blood sugar, sport is an excellent way, with results that differ depending on what we practice, a new study has revealed.
Mice working out
In their report published on October 30, 2025 in the journal Journal of Sport and Health Science, a Virginia Tech research team, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Virginia (USA), explains having tested the effects of weight training on the regulation of blood sugar in mice.
But how do you get mice to exercise? To do this, the researchers created the first mouse model of weightlifting, in which rodents lived in cages where they had to lift a weighted lid to access food. This movement challenged their muscles like a resistance exercise in humans. The load was gradually increased, simulating progressive strength training.
There was another group of mice, which is called “the endurance group”, where the rodents had access to an exercise wheel. The two control groups consisted of sedentary mice fed either a normal diet or a high-fat diet.
The objective of this study was to directly compare the influence of these two sporting practices on obesity, blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, in a way that accurately reflects human physical exercise.
Strength training more effective than running
To obtain the most optimal results, researchers monitored weight, body composition, fat distribution, physical performance, heart and muscle function, and blood sugar regulation for eight weeks.
They also studied insulin signaling in muscles, allowing comparisons of the effect of endurance and resistance exercise on obesity, blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.
The results obtained show that resistance training (weight training) offered better results, in terms of blood sugar regulation, than endurance training (running).
“Our data showed that running and weight training reduce abdominal and subcutaneous fat, and improve blood sugar regulation, through improved insulin signaling in skeletal muscle. Strength training offers antidiabetic benefits at least as great, if not greater,” said Chen Yan, an exercise medicine researcher at Virginia Tech and lead author of the study, in comments reported by EurekAlert.
In addition, the research team explains that the changes observed in skeletal muscle signaling pathways are likely to pave the way for new therapies for type 2 diabetes, which affects approximately 1 in 9 adults according to a report from the International Diabetes Federation dating from 2024.
Source: EurekAlert
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
