In order to accurately compare the effects of resistance vs. aerobic exercise, the two exercises would need to be equivalent in terms of caloric expenditure. Aerobic exercises include: walking, jogging, stationary biking, treadmill, and stair climbing. Resistance exercises include free weight lifting and resistance bands. In a study done by Mueller et al a weight bearing (aerobic) vs non-weight bearing (resistance) exercise group performed an exercise intervention in which the non-weight bearing group saw better A1C levels following the study. Additionally, no patients in the non-weight bearing group reported feeling “worse” after the intervention. According to the standards of medical care, weight bearing exercises are not considered to be safe for patients with developed diabetic neuropathy. Balance training has also helped show improvements in the risk of falling in DPN patients which may be a sign of improved nerve function (Xi Pan and Jiao-Jiao Bai). In general the ADA recommends 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per day for 5 days a week in order to lower blood glucose.
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