The Importance of Resistance Training in Addressing Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Authors

  • Katarzyna Siwicka PCK Marine Hospital in Gdynia Powstania Styczniowego 1, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9217-5760
  • Konrad Szewczyk Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Rybacka 1, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9182-9875
  • Laura Janasik Józef Struś Memorial Multidisciplinary Municipal Hospital, Szwajcarska 3 Street, 61-285 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8384-4793
  • Patrycja Kociucka University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9053-1496
  • Krzysztof Sadowski Prof. S. T. Dąbrowski Hospital in Puszczykowo S.A., 11 Józefa Ignacego Kraszewskiego Street, 62-040 Puszczykowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2344-446X
  • Julia Modelska Prof. S. T. Dąbrowski Hospital in Puszczykowo S.A., 11 Józefa Ignacego Kraszewskiego Street, 62-040 Puszczykowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3972-9126
  • Anita Jeleń University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6274-0969
  • Anna Podolska University Clinical Hospital no. 2 of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 Street, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1365-341X
  • Karolina Paluchowicz University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, Przybyszewskiego 49 Street, 60-355 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0391-5756

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.54.70638

Keywords

Resistance training, Insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Glycemic control, Skeletal muscle, Metabolic health

Abstract

Introduction: Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are serious global health challenges, which are caused by aging population, increasing levels of obesity and insufficient amount of physical activity. Although pharmacological treatment is still a central part of managing diabetes, a substantial number of patients are not able to achieve optimal glycemic control, showing the need for effective lifestyle interventions. Resistance training has become a promising strategy which targets main pathophysiological mechanisms underlying insulin resistance. 

Purpose: This narrative review aims to summarize and critically evaluate current evidence on the effects of resistance training on insulin sensitivity, metabolism of glucose and cardiometabolic health across diverse populations, including patients with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and older adults.

Material and Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE database and included studies published up to 2025. Only peer-reviewed articles written in English were included in the review. Particular emphasis was placed on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Results: Evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses demonstrates that resistance training improves glycemic control, reduces insulin resistance as well as enhances body composition and functionality. Comparative analyses indicate that resistance training provides benefits that are complementary to aerobic exercise, dietary interventions, and pharmacotherapy, particularly when weight loss strategies are added.

Conclusions: The findings support resistance training as a safe and effective component of comprehensive management strategies for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

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Quality in Sport

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2026-04-23

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SIWICKA, Katarzyna, SZEWCZYK, Konrad, JANASIK, Laura, KOCIUCKA, Patrycja, SADOWSKI, Krzysztof, MODELSKA, Julia, JELEŃ, Anita, PODOLSKA, Anna and PALUCHOWICZ, Karolina. The Importance of Resistance Training in Addressing Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review. Quality in Sport. Online. 23 April 2026. Vol. 54, p. 70638. [Accessed 10 June 2026]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2026.54.70638.

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Vol. 54 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Katarzyna Siwicka, Konrad Szewczyk, Laura Janasik, Patrycja Kociucka, Krzysztof Sadowski, Julia Modelska, Anita Jeleń, Anna Podolska, Karolina Paluchowicz

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