Researchers studied 43 older adults with type 2 diabetes who participated in a 12-week exercise program combining strength training and aerobic cycling twice per week. After three months, participants showed improvements in blood sugar control, quality of life, and thinking skills—especially in areas like problem-solving and memory. While the improvements were modest, the study suggests that regular combined exercise could be a helpful tool for older adults managing diabetes, offering benefits beyond just blood sugar numbers.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a combination of strength training and cardio exercise could improve blood sugar control, thinking ability, and overall quality of life in older adults with type 2 diabetes
  • Who participated: 43 older adults (seniors) who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
  • Key finding: After 12 weeks of exercising twice per week, participants showed better blood sugar control (measured by fructosamine levels), modest improvements in quality of life, and better thinking skills—particularly in problem-solving abilities
  • What it means for you: If you’re an older adult with type 2 diabetes, adding regular exercise combining strength and cardio workouts may help you manage your blood sugar, feel better overall, and keep your mind sharp. However, this is one small study, so talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

The Research Details

This was an experimental study where researchers had 43 older adults with type 2 diabetes follow a specific 12-week exercise program. Twice each week, participants did strength training exercises targeting major muscle groups (like leg presses, chest presses, and rowing) plus 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling. Before and after the program, researchers measured blood sugar levels through blood tests, asked participants about their quality of life using standard questionnaires, and tested their thinking abilities using a cognitive assessment tool.

The researchers collected blood samples to measure two different markers of blood sugar control: fructosamine (which shows short-term blood sugar patterns) and HbA1c (which shows long-term patterns). They also used two validated quality-of-life questionnaires to capture different aspects of well-being, and a thinking skills test called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to measure mental function.

This type of study design allows researchers to see if changes happen after an intervention, though it doesn’t have a comparison group that didn’t exercise, which would make the findings stronger.

This research approach matters because it tests whether a realistic, practical exercise program—one that older adults could actually do at a gym or fitness center—produces real-world benefits. Rather than just looking at blood sugar numbers, the researchers also measured thinking ability and quality of life, which are important for overall health and independence in older adults.

Strengths of this study include using validated, well-established measurement tools for quality of life and cognitive function, and measuring multiple health outcomes rather than just one. The study size of 43 participants is moderate—large enough to detect some effects but not large enough to be definitive. The study lacks a control group (people who didn’t exercise), which means we can’t be completely certain the improvements came from exercise rather than other factors like seasonal changes or increased social interaction. The researchers did report effect sizes, which helps readers understand whether improvements were meaningful or just tiny changes.

What the Results Show

After 12 weeks of the combined exercise program, participants showed improvements in fructosamine levels, a marker of short-term blood sugar control. This improvement was considered a medium-sized effect, meaning it was noticeable and meaningful. Interestingly, HbA1c (the long-term blood sugar marker) didn’t change significantly, suggesting the exercise helped with immediate blood sugar management but the long-term pattern may need more time to shift.

For quality of life, participants reported small improvements in physical well-being (like having more energy and better physical function), psychological well-being (like feeling better emotionally), and environmental well-being (like having better access to resources). These improvements were modest but consistent across multiple life domains.

Cognitive function showed the most interesting pattern. Participants improved noticeably in abstraction—the ability to think about concepts and solve problems—which is an important thinking skill. They also showed small improvements in delayed recall (remembering things after a delay) and orientation (knowing where you are and what time it is).

The study found that aging-specific quality of life measures didn’t change significantly, meaning participants didn’t report feeling younger or less affected by aging itself. This suggests the exercise helped with general well-being but didn’t specifically address age-related concerns. The consistency of improvements across multiple thinking domains suggests exercise may have broad benefits for brain health, not just one specific area.

This study aligns with existing research showing that exercise helps people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. Previous studies have also suggested that combined strength and aerobic exercise may be more effective than either type alone. The finding that cognitive function improved is particularly interesting because newer research increasingly shows that exercise benefits the brain, not just the body. However, most previous studies on this topic have been done with younger or middle-aged adults, so this research adds valuable information about older adults specifically.

The main limitation is the lack of a control group—we can’t be 100% certain the improvements came from exercise rather than other factors. The study is relatively small (43 people), which limits how much we can generalize the findings to all older adults with diabetes. The 12-week timeframe is fairly short; we don’t know if benefits continue or increase with longer exercise programs. The study doesn’t tell us which parts of the exercise program (strength training vs. aerobic exercise) were most important. Additionally, we don’t know details about participants’ diets, medications, or other lifestyle factors that could affect results.

The Bottom Line

For older adults with type 2 diabetes: Consider adding a combination exercise program of strength training and aerobic activity, done 2-3 times per week, as part of your diabetes management plan. This appears to help with blood sugar control and may also improve thinking skills and quality of life. Confidence level: Moderate—this is promising evidence, but more research is needed. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions.

This research is most relevant for older adults (65+) with type 2 diabetes who are looking for ways to improve their health beyond medication alone. It may also interest family members and caregivers of older adults with diabetes. Healthcare providers working with older diabetic patients should consider recommending combined exercise programs. People with type 1 diabetes or those who are very sedentary should talk with their doctor before applying these findings, as their needs may be different.

Based on this study, you might expect to see improvements in blood sugar control within 8-12 weeks of consistent exercise. Improvements in quality of life and thinking skills may develop gradually over the same period. However, some benefits (like better long-term blood sugar control) may take longer than 12 weeks to appear. Consistency matters more than intensity—regular, moderate exercise twice per week appears more important than occasional intense workouts.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly exercise sessions (strength training + aerobic activity), aiming for 2 sessions per week. Log the specific exercises completed and duration. Also track fasting blood sugar readings weekly if you monitor at home, noting any downward trends over 4-week periods.
  • Set a specific goal like ‘Exercise twice per week on Mondays and Thursdays’ and use the app to send reminders. Create a simple strength training routine (leg press, chest press, rowing, leg curls, core work) plus 30 minutes of moderate cycling or brisk walking. Log each session to build accountability and see your progress accumulate.
  • Use the app to track exercise consistency over 12-week periods, comparing your adherence and any available blood sugar metrics. Set monthly check-ins to assess how you’re feeling (energy levels, mood, mental clarity) using simple 1-10 rating scales. Share trends with your healthcare provider at regular appointments to adjust your diabetes management plan if needed.

This research suggests that combined exercise may help older adults with type 2 diabetes, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment or professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions. Blood sugar management requires a comprehensive approach including medication (if prescribed), diet, exercise, and regular medical monitoring. Individual results may vary, and this study represents one research finding—not definitive medical guidance. If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms during exercise, stop immediately and seek medical attention.