A new US study shows resistance training not only helps build muscle in older people, but may also ward off type 2 diabetes. After a 3 month resistance training program, a group of men and women in their early 60s showed significant improvements in glucose tolerance. The program consisted of working out three times a week.
The research confirms that glucose tolerance improved by 25% to 30% in the 12 week program without any weight loss. People lose their ability to metabolize sugar effectively as they age, even if they are otherwise healthy. Weight gain that often accompanies ageing worsens glucose tolerance and compounds diabetes risk. One in five Americans over 60 years has type 2 diabetes.
With consideration of this study - that number might reduce substantially as the sexagenarian gym membership's increase. There's plenty of room at my gym. Come one, come all!
