Virginia Tech mouse study finds resistance training may beat running for improving blood sugar control in diabetes models

Virginia Tech researchers compared endurance exercise and resistance training in mice fed a high-fat diet, a model for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Both forms of exercise helped clear blood sugar, but resistance training more effectively reduced fat, improved glucose tolerance, and lowered insulin resistance.

The findings add to a growing shift away from viewing cardio as the default exercise prescription for metabolic health. If confirmed in humans, strength training could become a more central recommendation for diabetes prevention and obesity management.