Study shows weight training helps prevent diabetes in teens

July 2006. A recent study by researchers at the Unniversity of Southern California provides another weapon in the fight against diabetes, at least for teenagers. It's weight training!

We already know, of course, that exercise helps reduce insulin sensitivity in adults, but no studies had been done specifically focusing on overweight teenagers. The researchers choose to use weight training because it produces faster, noticeable results, which they hoped would encourage teenagers to stay on the regime. It apparently worked!

In the USC study, overweight Latino boys were put into a weight training program for 16 weeks, resulting in a noticeable reduction in insulin resistance. (Latino children are known to be at particular risk for diabetes, which is why researchers focused on them.)

Twenty-two boys between the ages of 14 and 17 lifted weights twice a week, using gym equipment and supervised by personal trainers. As the boys improved in their lifting, resistance was increased and number of repetitions reduced. The boys were pleased to see their lean muscle mass increase, while researchers noted that in 91% of the subjects insulin sensitivity showed significant improvement.

So parents of teenagers might do well to encourage them to enter supervised weight training programs for their present enjoyment as well as future good health, and hopefully prevent the onset of diabetes.