Resistance training improves 2-hour glucose tolerance in older adults with prediabetes, depending on phenotype

Moderate confidence

High bias

Last updated June 15, 2026

Key Takeaway:

This study tested whether prediabetes type affects how well resistance training improves blood sugar handling. 159 older adults with prediabetes did supervised strength training twice weekly for 12 weeks. 2-hour glucose tolerance improved in those with impaired glucose tolerance, but not in those with isolated impaired fasting glucose.

Study at a Glance

What was studied

Effect of 12-week resistance training on glucose homeostasis by prediabetes phenotype

Participants

Middle Aged (40-64), Older Adults (65+)

Male, Female

with Prediabeteswith Obesity

Intervention

Resistance training

Outcomes

Muscular strength, Waist circumference, Body fat mass, Lean body mass, Fasting blood sugar (FBS), 2-hour plasma glucose, Insulin sensitivity, Glucose iAUC (OGTT)

Funding

Non-Industry Sponsored

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Main Effects

↑ Muscular strength (chest press +27%, leg press +18%)

↓ Waist circumference (-1.0%) and body fat (-0.6%)

↑ Lean body mass (+1.3%)

↓ 2-hour glucose in IGT and IFG/IGT subgroups

Evidence Summary

Intervention	Outcome	Measured Change	Study Effect
Resistance training (Physical Activity)	2-hour plasma glucose (Glycemic Control)	Mixed	Mixed
Resistance training (Physical Activity)	Body fat mass (Weight & Anthropometrics)	Decrease	Strong
Resistance training (Physical Activity)	Fasting blood sugar (FBS) (Glycemic Control)	No Change	Limited
Resistance training (Physical Activity)	Glucose iAUC (OGTT) (Glycemic Control)	Uncertain	Limited
Resistance training (Physical Activity)	Insulin sensitivity (Metabolic Health)	Uncertain	Limited
Resistance training (Physical Activity)	Lean body mass (Weight & Anthropometrics)	Increase	Strong
Resistance training (Physical Activity)	Muscular strength (Metabolic Health)	Increase	Strong
Resistance training (Physical Activity)	Waist circumference (Weight & Anthropometrics)	Decrease	Strong

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Keep in Mind

No control group (single-arm pre-post design) No HbA1c measurement, potentially missing a prediabetes phenotype Indirect measure of insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) may not detect small changes No imaging-based measurement of visceral fat changes

Between the Lines

No control group (single-arm pre-post design) No HbA1c measurement, potentially missing a prediabetes phenotype Indirect measure of insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) may not detect small changes No imaging-based measurement of visceral fat changes