Dr Myro Figura, a Los Angeles-based anesthesiologist and medical educator, highlights the critical role of muscle mass in regulating blood sugar and preventing diabetes. According to Dr Myro, maintaining muscle strength through regular exercise is essential, especially after the age of 30, as skeletal muscles handle about 80 percent of glucose metabolism in the body.
In a recent Instagram video, Dr Myro addressed a common misconception that thin individuals cannot develop diabetes. He shared the story of a woman in her 30s who was pre-diabetic despite having a slender frame. “Body shape does not determine diabetes risk. After 30, insufficient muscle mass makes it harder for your body to process sugar,” he explained.
A muscle mass and disability threshold graph from the Sports Medicine Centre demonstrates that people who exercise regularly never reach the disability threshold, which indicates the ability to perform daily activities independently. Dr Myro emphasized that muscle mass protects against insulin resistance, a key factor in diabetes development.
Strength training 2-3 times a week can help maintain muscle mass, enhance insulin sensitivity, and even reverse pre-diabetes or early-stage diabetes. Dr Myro urges adults over 30 to prioritize regular exercise and muscle-building activities to safeguard their metabolic health and prevent long-term complications.
