Keywords

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, nutrition therapy, resistance training, aerobic training, lifestyle intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise globally, creating a substantial health burden. Dietary strategies, including intermittent fasting, ketogenic, Mediterranean, low-carbohydrate, and plant-based diets, along with aerobic and resistance exercise, have been shown to lower hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). Identifying the most effective approach to managing T2DM is important.

Search Method: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published from 2000 to 2026. Search terms included type 2 diabetes mellitus, lifestyle intervention, nutrition therapy, dietary modification, exercise, physical activity, behavioral intervention, weight management, and glycemic control. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort studies, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses.

Results: All reviewed dietary interventions lowered HbA1C among individuals with T2DM. Combined aerobic and resistance training produced greater reductions in HbA1C levels than either modality alone. The addition of behavioral support to either dietary or exercise interventions further reduced HbA1C.

Discussion: Concurrent lifestyle and behavioral interventions produce the most meaningful and sustained reductions in HbA1C. Additional long-term comparative studies are needed to determine the optimal management of T2DM.

Document Type

Master's Project

Publication Date

2026-04-23

Language

English

College

Nursing

Department

Nursing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Graduate Student

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Available for download on Sunday, April 23, 2028

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