Q&A – Diabetes, Glucose, Obesity
1. Does strength training lower blood sugar?
Yes – strength training is one of the most effective ways to regulate glucose levels.
It works by: – increasing the number of GLUT4 transporters in muscles, improving insulin sensitivity, “absorbing” glucose by muscles independently of insulin.
It is a natural alternative to blood sugar lowering drugs.
2. How does strength training help with type 2 diabetes?
Lowers HbA1c levels,
reduces the need for insulin,
improves lipid metabolism,
supports weight control.
Strength training is a metabolic therapy that can be implemented at any stage – from prediabetes to long-term diabetes.
3. Does strength training work differently than aerobic training?
Yes – strength training:
engages fast twitch fibers more,
has a stronger effect on anaerobic glucose metabolism,
causes a longer "afternoon burn" effect,
better supports the building of muscle mass – i.e. sugar storage.
Therefore, strength and aerobic training should complement each other, but strength training provides the most lasting metabolic effect.
4. Can overweight children and adolescents do strength training?
Yes – and they should.
Strength training:
it does not burden the joints like running,
allows for controlled effort,
builds muscles that speed up metabolism,
gives a quick effect of improving well-being.
This is an ideal solution for children who are overweight or have the beginning of insulin resistance.
5. Do muscles burn fat?
No – directly – but more muscle = more energy consumption, even at rest.
Each additional kilogram of muscle mass:
increases basal metabolic rate (BMR),
improves insulin sensitivity,
facilitates the loss of fat tissue.
Muscles are a metabolic furnace – the bigger they are, the more energy you burn.
6. How does strength training affect abdominal (visceral) obesity?
Visceral obesity is the most dangerous type of fat – it surrounds organs and causes inflammation.
Strength training:
reduces visceral fat,
improves the lipid profile,
has anti-inflammatory properties,
normalizes glucose levels.
This is the best weapon against "hidden obesity".
7. Can GLP-1 (e.g. Ozempic) replace strength training?
No – GLP-1 drugs reduce appetite and blood sugar levels – but they do not build muscle.
Without strength training, many people lose muscle along with fat, leading to a slower metabolism.
Strength training is the foundation – medications can only be an addition.
8. Can strength training prevent type 2 diabetes?
Yes – for people with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes, regular strength training:
delays the development of the disease,
improves carbohydrate metabolism,
supports the reversal of insulin resistance.
This is prevention that cannot be contained in a pill.
9. Can older adults improve glucose control through strength training?
Yes – strength training for people 60+:
increases muscle mass,
improves insulin sensitivity,
lowers fasting glucose levels.
It is a form of treatment that restores not only numbers, but also well-being and functionality.
10. Why is the Strength and Health Lesson the future of metabolic education?
Because it teaches:
how insulin works,
how sugar affects the brain and body,
how muscles can regulate glucose levels.
There is no effective fight against diabetes and obesity without understanding the role of muscles.