A new study from Singapore has found a surprising way to help people with type 2 diabetes improve their health—without breaking a sweat. Researchers from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) discovered that using magnetic fields to gently stimulate leg muscles may mimic the effects of exercise.
### Magnetic Mitohormesis: A New Noninvasive Treatment
This noninvasive treatment, called magnetic mitohormesis, could be especially helpful for people with diabetes who have excess belly fat and find it difficult to exercise regularly. Doctors have long advised people with type 2 diabetes to stay active, as regular physical activity helps the body control blood sugar. But in reality, many struggle to maintain an exercise routine. In fact, more than 80% of participants in this study reported that they don’t exercise regularly due to age, health problems, or other life challenges.
### How Does the Treatment Work?
Instead of running or lifting weights, patients simply sit while their leg is placed in a machine that emits gentle magnetic pulses. Each session lasts just 10 minutes. The treatment is safe and painless, with none of the 40 adults who took part in the trial experiencing any side effects.
The study, conducted from June 2023 to January 2024, involved people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Over 12 weeks, each participant received magnetic stimulation once a week.
### Promising Results for People with Belly Fat
While not everyone showed major changes, researchers found notable improvements in people with central obesity—those who carry more fat around their belly. In this group, nearly 90% experienced better blood glucose control. Their HbA1c levels, a key measure of long-term blood sugar management, dropped from 7.5% to 7.1%. A lower HbA1c indicates improved diabetes management.
### Why Does This Work Better for Those with Central Obesity?
Researchers believe that muscles in people with central obesity might be less healthy at the cellular level. The magnetic pulses appear to “exercise” the muscles microscopically, improving cellular function. When muscles are “out of shape,” there is greater potential for improvement from this treatment.
### A Potential Tool for Personalized Diabetes Care
This approach could be a valuable tool for personalized diabetes care, especially for individuals who cannot adhere to traditional exercise programs because of health issues or age. However, the study was small and exploratory, and the authors agree that further research is needed.
Larger clinical trials will be essential to confirm whether this treatment works long-term and to identify which patients benefit most.
### Expert Insights and Future Directions
Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón from NUS, one of the study’s lead scientists, noted that the magnetic pulse method has shown promise in earlier laboratory studies as well. It may even help reduce inflammation and improve other aspects of health.
Unlike medications or surgery, this treatment does not involve drugs, gene editing, or invasive procedures.
The next step for SGH and NUS is to determine the optimal treatment schedule and to better understand which patients are most likely to benefit. If successful, this innovation could revolutionize how diabetes is managed—especially for those who struggle with exercise.
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### Additional Resources for Managing Type 2 Diabetes
If you are interested in learning more about managing type 2 diabetes, consider reading studies on these topics:
– *This drug combo can treat type 2 diabetes effectively in the long run*
– *Eating fewer than three meals a day may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity*
– *How to choose the right fruits for type 2 diabetes*
– *New higher-dose diabetes drug promises better blood sugar control and weight loss*
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The study is published in the *Journal of Clinical Medicine*.
https://knowridge.com/2025/11/can-magnetic-fields-help-people-with-diabetes-exercise-without-moving/