LA fitness news
Muscle Mass Reduces Risk of Diabetes
A recent study found that the greater an individual's total muscle mass, the lower that person's risk of having insulin resistance, the major precursor of type 2 diabetes.
With recent dramatic increases in obesity worldwide, the prevalence of diabetes is expected to accelerate. Insulin resistance, which can raise blood glucose levels above the normal range, is a major contributor to the development of diabetes. Previous studies have shown that very low muscle mass is a risk factor for insulin resistance, but until now, no study has examined whether increasing muscle mass to average and above average levels would lead to improved blood glucose regulation.
The researchers said: "Our findings represent a departure from the usual focus of clinicians and their patients, on just losing weight to improve metabolic health. This research suggests a role for maintaining fitness and building muscle.” The best way to increase muscle mass? Resistance training.
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