Abstract:
Individuals with type 1 diabetes suffer from impaired angiogenesis, decreased capillarization,
and higher fatigability that influence their muscular system beyond the detriments caused
by decreased glycemic control. In order to combat exacerbations of these effects, the American
Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with type 1 diabetes participate in regular resistance
exercise. However, traditional resistance exercise only induces hypertrophy when loads of
65% of an individual’s one repetition maximum are used. Combining blood flow restriction with
resistance exercise may serve as a more efficient means for stimulating anabolic pathways that result
in increased protein synthesis and angiogenesis at lower loads, while also promoting better glycemic
control. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review on the literature surrounding the benefits of
resistance exercise, specifically for individuals with type 1 diabetes, and postulate potential effects of
combining resistance exercise with blood flow restriction in this clinical population.
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