Last updated July 18, 2026
Key finding
Nocturnal LBGI was higher in the exercise day than in the non-exercise day in the AER (p = 0.012).
This study compared the acute effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, finding similar reductions in HbA1c for both interventions.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study compared the acute effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, finding similar reductions in HbA1c for both interventions.
Understanding the effects of different exercise types on blood glucose levels is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. This study provides evidence that both aerobic and resistance exercises can effectively lower HbA1c, which is important for reducing diabetes-related complications. Clinicians can use these findings to recommend tailored exercise programs for their patients.
Effectiveness of interventions was unclear due to non-significant p-values. Sample size and population characteristics may limit generalizability. No long-term follow-up data was provided.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Elisabetta B, Carlo N, Maddalena T, et al. Acute Effects of Aerobic vs. Resistance Exercise on Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(12):e49937. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049937
Both aerobic and resistance exercise reduced HbA1c by -0.48% and -0.39%, respectively.
Forty-eight hour glucose AUC remained unchanged in both exercise groups.
Nocturnal LBGI was higher on exercise days for the aerobic group.
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Aerobic exercise, Taichi plus resistance band training and Glucose area under the curve (AUC), HbA1c, Nocturnal Low Blood Glucose Index (LBGI).
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Aerobic exercise
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
3
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6
Evidence pairs
566
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Aerobic exercise → Glucose area under the curve (AUC)
Aerobic exercise → Glucose area under the curve (AUC)
Aerobic exercise → Nocturnal Low Blood Glucose Index (LBGI)
Aerobic exercise → Nocturnal Low Blood Glucose Index (LBGI)
Taichi plus resistance band training → Glucose area under the curve (AUC)
Taichi plus resistance band training → Glucose area under the curve (AUC)
Taichi plus resistance band training → Nocturnal Low Blood Glucose Index (LBGI)
Taichi plus resistance band training → Nocturnal Low Blood Glucose Index (LBGI)
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Aerobic Exercise and HbA1c, Mind-Body and Balance Exercise and HbA1c.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Aerobic Exercise
Contributes to Aerobic Exercise evidence base.
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
All studies on Mind-Body and Balance Exercise
Contributes to Mind-Body and Balance Exercise evidence base.
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3 results
2 results
3 results
2 results
3 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Aerobic Exercise may improve Postprandial and OGTT Glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
Glucose area under the curve (AUC)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
Aerobic Exercise appears to improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 77.4 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 4 supporting studies with consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
Mind-Body and Balance Exercise may improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a small number of supporting studies and should be interpreted cautiously.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Mind-Body and Balance Exercise for Postprandial and OGTT Glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Glucose area under the curve (AUC)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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