Participants wanted for study looking at diabetes and resistance bands

CALGARY – Researchers at the University of Calgary are looking for people with Type 2 diabetes and a desire to get into better shape to participate in a new study.

The study will examine whether an exercise program using resistance bands for strength training improves blood sugar control and heart disease risk factors.

“We know that resistance training builds strength and makes the insulin that your body produces work better,” says principal study investigator Dr. Ron Sigal. “If we can show in a large-scale study that it works just as well with resistance bands, then people with Type 2 diabetes could get the benefits of a gym membership at a fraction of the cost.”

Although other studies have looked at the effects of resistance training using weight machines in gyms, the U of C says this is the first large-scale study to see whether resistance bands, which are inexpensive and portable, might be an effective alternative.

The study will follow 80 participants during a six-month program.

To be eligible for the study, people must be 35 years of age or older and not currently taking insulin for Type 2 diabetes. They must also be able to walk for 10 minutes without difficulty.

Participants will be randomly placed in one of two groups: aerobic training only, or aerobic training plus resistance band training. Most exercise will be performed in or around participants’ homes but there will be some group-based sessions led by an exercise specialist.

Participants will be asked to maintain an exercise log, as well as wear an accelerometer, a pager-like device that measures their daily physical activity.

They’ll receive instruction from fitness trainers in the use of the resistance bands and have access to a nutritionist for counselling about diet.

For more information, call 403-955-8117 or email exercise@ucalgary.ca.