Optimizing Exercise for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Exercise is regarded as a front-line therapy for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes and its many complications. Recent studies have shown that the addition or incorporation of resistance training to traditional continuous moderate-intensity exercise training (e.g., walking) can lead to superior benefits for certain aspects of metabolic and cardiovascular health. There is also growing interest in the application of high-intensity interval training, which can be accomplished via interval walking in people with type 2 diabetes, for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Despite this encouraging research, the optimal exercise strategy (intensity, type, volume, timing, potential interactions with glucose-lowering medications and/or diet) has not been properly defined. In addition, the mechanisms by which exercise improves glucose control, reduces type 2 diabetes-related metabolic dysfunction, and lowers cardiovascular disease risk in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes have not been clearly elucidated. This Research Topic will highlight how different exercise strategies impact glucose control, metabolic function, and cardiometabolic risk factors in people with, and at risk for, type 2 diabetes. We encourage interested scientists, clinicians, and exercise specialists to submit mini-reviews, methods papers, review articles, perspectives, and original research articles covering this diverse topic. Of particular focus will be submissions comparing different exercise strategies in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and/or papers highlighting potential mechanisms underlying the benefits of exercise in type 2 diabetes-related pathophysiology.