Along with dieting good muscle mass and strength is also equally important in diabetes control. Preethi Srikanthan and colleagues Andrea Hevener and Arun Karlamangla from the University of California, Los Angeles conducted the study using data available on 14,528 people in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that sarcopenia ( low skeletal muscle mass and strength often found in those who are older or obese) is associated with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the main cause of diabetes -- in both obese and non-obese individuals.

     These associations were stronger in people age 60 and under, in whom sarcopenia was associated with high levels of blood sugar in both obese and thin people, and with diabetes in obese individuals.

     So the researchers concluded that like any other preventive measures of diabetes, it is also important to have good muscle mass and strength.