Aerobic, Weight Training Combo Best Against Diabetes

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The bottom line: "There is additional value to doing both resistance and aerobic exercise," according to Sigal.

He said the decrease of nearly one percent of A1c seen in the study "translates to a 15 to 20 percent reduction in risk of heart attack or stroke and a 25 to 40 percent reduced risk of other complications, such as retinopathy," an eye problem related to diabetes.

How does physical activity fight type 2 diabetes, the most common and obesity-linked form of the disease? According to Sigal, "exercise decreases insulin resistance. It makes the transport of glucose [blood sugar] more efficient."

Another expert said the study adds gives new information for people hoping to beat back diabetes.

"Basically, aerobic and resistance training both do very well, and the combination does even better," said Cathy Nonas, director of physical activity and nutrition for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.

But she said couch potatoes often need to ease into exercise to maintain a fitness regimen over time.

The study participants built up to their 45-minute fitness sessions, Nonas noted, and the combination group ended up doing about 4.5 hours of exercise a week -- an amount some might find daunting.

"I would never talk about 4.5 hours a week to someone who doesn't exercise at all," Nonas said. Rather, she encourages physical activity in any amount to start. "Anything you do is good," she said. Then, she encourages people to slowly build up their time.

"I think this is a very uplifting study," she added. "It says whatever you do will have an effect, and the more you do, the better the effect."

More information

To learn more about the benefits of exercise for diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association.