This is a population-based study of type 2 diabetes patients with and without neuropathy recruited from the Danish National Type 2 Diabetes cohort (DD2).

Diabetic patients with neuropathy may suffer from incapacitating symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness and impaired balance. Muscle weakness may cause reduced balance and postural instability increasing the risk of frequent falls and thereby increased morbidity and mortality. Thus, diabetic neuropathy is associated with significant disabilities having major impact on activities of daily living and quality of life.

The effects of resistance training on neuropathy symptoms, muscle strength and muscle structure in patients with and with diabetic neuropathy will be examined.

Perspective: The studies will likely improve the understanding of diabetic neuropathy and the relation between risk of falls in patients with and without motor dysfunction. The results may enable new and more precise recommendations for exercise in diabetic patients with diabetic neuropathy. In addition, the results may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of training. The improvement of motor function may lead to improved gait stability, fewer fall injuries and better quality of life for type 2 diabetes patients, resulting in lower morbidity and mortality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neuropathy due to any other cause

  • BMI >40
  • Pacemaker
  • Comorbidity that contraindicates exercise
  • History of stroke with affection of the lower extremities
  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Any other neurological disease
  • Pregnancy