Open-label or unblinded (moderate): Open-label design

Fasting blood glucose decreased significantly from 244.7±83.6 mg/dL to 214.5±80.4 mg/dL, representing a 30 mg/dL reduction (p=0.046). This demonstrates meaningful acute glucose control improvement.

Serum GLP-1 levels increased by 3.7 pg/mL in the resistance training group, a significant and clinically meaningful increase. GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and may support pancreatic β-cell health.

Circulating miRNA-192 levels decreased by approximately 60% after 8 weeks of resistance training. MicroRNA-192 inhibits GLP-1 expression and β-cell function, so this reduction is beneficial and may help preserve residual pancreatic function.

Maximum oxygen consumption increased significantly from 42.26±3.55 to 43.08±3.98 mL/kg/min (p=0.019), representing improved cardiovascular fitness. This improvement was significantly greater than the leisure activity group.

HbA1c decreased from 9.19±2.16% to 8.83±1.67%, but this change was not statistically significant (p=0.200). The short 8-week duration may be insufficient to detect meaningful HbA1c changes, which reflect 3-month average glucose levels.

Fasting insulin levels increased from 0.79±0.54 to 1.09±0.42 μIU/mL, but this change did not reach statistical significance (p=0.054). The trend suggests possible improvement in residual β-cell function, but results are inconclusive.

Home-based progressive resistance training using bodyweight exercises (planks, squats, push-ups, lunges, jumping jacks) performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Exercises supervised once weekly in-person with video monitoring for home sessions. Progressive overload achieved by adding 5 repetitions or 5 seconds every 2 weeks.

Fasting blood glucose decreased significantly from 215.8±66.1 mg/dL to 180.7±52.3 mg/dL, representing a 35 mg/dL reduction (p=0.027). This demonstrates meaningful improvement in acute glucose control.

Serum GLP-1 levels increased by 2.5 pg/mL in the leisure activity group, a significant increase that supports enhanced incretin hormone response and potential benefits for glucose homeostasis.

Circulating miRNA-192 levels decreased by approximately 58% after 8 weeks of leisure-time physical activity. This substantial reduction in a biomarker associated with β-cell dysfunction and diabetic complications is a promising finding.

Maximum oxygen consumption increased significantly from 39.68±3.72 to 40.97±4.54 mL/kg/min (p=0.002), indicating improved cardiovascular fitness, though the improvement was smaller than in the resistance training group.

HbA1c decreased from 9.20±1.28% to 9.00±1.32%, but this change was not statistically significant (p=0.244). The 8-week duration is likely too short to produce detectable changes in this long-term glucose marker.

Leisure-time physical activities including self-selected sports and activities (volleyball, basketball, football, swimming, cycling) performed 3 days per week for a total of 150 minutes weekly. Exercise type and intensity were not controlled but chosen based on participant preference and lifestyle.

Positive: 11; Negative: 0; No effect: 0; Mixed: 0

Direction counts recalculated from intervention outcomes due to mismatch with AI-provided counts.

Extracted 11 outcome signals across the study

Both interventions produced significant improvements in key metabolic outcomes (fasting glucose, GLP-1, miRNA-192, VO2 max) with no significant negative effects. HbA1c and insulin showed non-significant trends in favorable directions. The overall pattern is clearly positive with stronger effects for some outcomes than others.

Direction counts were recalculated from extracted outcomes because the AI-provided totals did not match.

↓ Fasting blood glucose (30-35 mg/dL reduction in both groups)

Mostly intermediate or surrogate outcomes

Both structured home resistance training and self-chosen leisure activities effectively reduce fasting blood glucose in children with type 1 diabetes

Exercise increases GLP-1 secretion and decreases miRNA-192 expression, potentially supporting pancreatic β-cell health

Home-based resistance training produces superior cardiovascular fitness gains compared to leisure-time activities

Nazari M, Minasian V, Hovsepian S. Impact of an 8-week home-based resistance training and leisure-time physical activity on serum glucagon-like peptide-1 and microRNA-192 levels in children with type 1 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2025;30:58.

Very small sample size (10 participants per group) limits statistical power and generalizability

Short 8-week duration may be insufficient to detect HbA1c changes

No true control group (no exercise comparison)

Exercise intensity in leisure group was not controlled or monitored

An 8-week study of 20 children with type 1 diabetes found that both home-based resistance training and leisure-time physical activities improved blood sugar control and increased GLP-1 hormone levels, with resistance training showing greater cardiovascular benefits.

↑ GLP-1 hormone levels (2.5-3.7 pg/mL increase)

↓ MicroRNA-192 levels (58-60% decrease in both groups)

↑ Cardiovascular fitness (greater in resistance training group)

The American Diabetes Association's clinical practice guidelines recommend regular physical activity for all people with type 1 diabetes, including children and adolescents, emphasizing both aerobic and resistance exercise for optimal metabolic and cardiovascular benefits.

ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025: Physical Activity and Exercise

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for exercise management in youth with type 1 diabetes, addressing safety considerations, glucose monitoring, and strategies to prevent exercise-related hypoglycemia.

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines: Exercise in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes

Provides accessible guidance on the benefits and practical considerations of physical activity for diabetes management, including safety tips and activity recommendations appropriate for various age groups.

CDC: Physical Activity for People with Diabetes

This podcast discusses the growing prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), the importance of autoantibody screening, the different stages of T1D, screening guidelines, patient counseling, and how early intervention can help delay progression and reduce complications.

Episode 59: Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

Annual ADA clinical practice guideline issue covering broad diabetes management.

Aerobic exercise improves heart health, increases your metabolism, aids weight loss, lowers your blood pressure, increases your HDL (“good”) cholesterol and boosts your mood.

Type 1 diabetes is often mistakenly thought of as a childhood disease. However, it is estimated that half of all new type 1 diagnoses develop after the age of 20.

Individuals with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes at risk for low blood glucose should take steps to avoid lows when driving.

Effects of resistance training on the glycemic control of people with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Management of Glycemia during Acute Aerobic and Resistance Training in Patients with Diabetes Type 1: A Croatian Pilot Study.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists' effects on glycemic control, weight loss, and beta cells function in type 1 diabetes.

Effects of 12-week combined interval running and resistance training on cardiac structure and performance in patients with type 1 diabetes.

The Efficacy of Short-Term Toe Resistance Training in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

High dropout rate (moderate): 23% dropout

Limited population scope (moderate): Narrow population scope

Limited safety reporting (moderate): Safety reporting depth: not_reported

Home resistance training and leisure activity both improve blood sugar and boost helpful GLP-1 hormone in children with type 1 diabetes

This study tested two types of exercise in children with type 1 diabetes: structured home resistance workouts and self-chosen leisure activities like sports. After 8 weeks, both groups saw lower blood sugar levels and increased levels of GLP-1, a hormone that helps with insulin. The resistance training group showed better improvements in cardiovascular fitness.

The study was quite small with only 20 children total, which limits how confidently we can apply these findings. The 8-week timeframe was relatively short, and longer studies are needed to see if these benefits persist and lead to meaningful improvements in long-term diabetes control (HbA1c). The leisure activity group had less structured exercise, so intensity and type varied between participants. Both groups showed improvements, but we don't know how they compare to children who don't exercise at all.

8-week exercise interventions in children with type 1 diabetes

This research applies to children with type 1 diabetes (average age 12-13 years) who have been diagnosed for at least 2 years and are not currently engaged in regular exercise. The findings may be particularly relevant for families looking for practical, home-based or recreational physical activity options.

Home resistance training and leisure activity both improve blood sugar and boost helpful GLP-1 hormone in children with type 1 diabetes

Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications

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