Home resistance training and leisure activity both improve blood sugar and boost helpful GLP-1 hormone in children with type 1 diabetes
Key takeaway:
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.
Study at a glance
What was studied
8-week exercise interventions in children with type 1 diabetes
Study type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
duration
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Intervention
Resistance training, Aerobic exercise
Outcomes
Fasting Plasma Glucose, GLP-1, MicroRNA-192, VO2 max, HbA1c, Fasting insulin levels
Funding
Non-industry sponsored
Main effects
↓ Fasting blood glucose (30-35 mg/dL reduction in both groups)
↑ 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)
Evidence Summary
| Intervention | Outcome | Measured Change | Study Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
 Aerobic exercise (Physical Activity) |  Fasting Plasma Glucose (Glycemic Control) | Decrease | Strong |
Aerobic exercise (Physical Activity) |  GLP-1 (Metabolic Health) | Increase | Strong |
Aerobic exercise (Physical Activity) | HbA1c (Glycemic Control) | Decrease | Limited |
Aerobic exercise (Physical Activity) | MicroRNA-192 (Metabolic Health) | Decrease | Strong |
Aerobic exercise (Physical Activity) | VO2 max (Metabolic Health) | Increase | Strong |
Resistance training (Physical Activity) | Fasting insulin levels (Metabolic Health) | Increase | Limited |
Resistance training (Physical Activity) | Fasting Plasma Glucose (Glycemic Control) | Decrease | Strong |
Resistance training (Physical Activity) | GLP-1 (Metabolic Health) | Increase | Strong |
Resistance training (Physical Activity) | HbA1c (Glycemic Control) | Decrease | Limited |
Resistance training (Physical Activity) | MicroRNA-192 (Metabolic Health) | Decrease | Strong |
Resistance training (Physical Activity) | VO2 max (Metabolic Health) | Increase | Strong |
Unlock Full Evidence Analysis
Create a free account to access effectiveness ratings, evidence strength and depth scores, consistency analysis, and direct links to all supporting studies.
Evidence Suggest
- 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
Who this applies to
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.
Keep in Mind
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.
Between the Lines
- 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
Unlock Full Analysis
Create a free account to unlock the bias score, detailed effectiveness analysis, and clinical outcomes for this study.
Journal Reference
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.
Sources
Ranked by clinical relevance and evidence quality.
Key References
Most relevant evidence and guidance related to this research.
ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025: Physical Activity and Exercise
ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines: Exercise in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes
Episode 59: Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology
Supporting Evidence
Supporting evidence and related resources.
Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024
Anaerobic Exercise & Diabetes | ADA
Diabetes Type Confusion | ADA
Driver's License Information | ADA
CDC: Physical Activity for People with Diabetes
Effects of resistance training on the glycemic control of people with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
13 total sources in this category
No ads. No tracking.
Focused on evidence, not advertising.
Secure & private
Your data is always protected.
Always up to date
New studies added every day.