# Cardio vs. Weights for Type 2 Diabetes: Different Wins for Each

*Comparative Effects of Different Exercise Modalities on Circulating Adipokines and Inflammatory Cytokines in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Network Meta-Analysis.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Diabetes, obesity & metabolism
- **Sample Size**: 2,741 adults with Type 2 diabetes across 60 trials
- **Authors**: Yan H, Zhuang M, Liu Q, Wan X, Yin M, Xu K, Yang Y, Zheng H, Cao C, Zheng X, Zhang T, Luo J
- **Published**: 2026-04-24
- **Topics**: exercise, type 2 diabetes, inflammation
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.70780
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42028722/

## Summary

In adults with Type 2 diabetes, cardio and resistance training help in different ways. Aerobic exercise was best for boosting adiponectin and lowering leptin, two hormones tied to fat regulation. Resistance training showed bigger drops in inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, especially in younger or overweight people. The authors caution these results are hypothesis-generating, not firm exercise prescriptions.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests mixing cardio and strength work may target different metabolic and inflammation pathways in diabetes.

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