What barriers need to be removed to incorporate resistance exercise into the…

Older adults with diabetes and frailty often skip resistance training because they fear fatigue, hypoglycemia, and injury. We need to change the environment: offering tailored education and flexible training spaces makes a huge difference in participation.

What were some of the main psychological and practical barriers identified by older adults with diabetes and frailty when trying to start resistance exercise?

A) Fears of fatigue, fear of injury, and difficulty using equipment.
B) Lack of social opportunities and outdated safety advice.
C) Fear of hypoglycemia, diabetes complications, and lack of awareness about exercise benefits.
D) Difficulty finding exercise-competent partners and inflexible training environments.

The Lab Notebook

We used a behavioral science model (COM-B) to map out exactly why older adults with diabetes and frailty avoid resistance training.

Barriers were found in three areas: what they *could* do (physical capability), what they *felt* they could do (psychological capability), and what opportunities they had (social support).

Key roadblocks included fear of falling, managing blood sugar, and difficulty using equipment, showing that practical barriers are often the biggest hurdle.

Why it matters: Movement fights frailty and keeps diabetes under control.

Published May 17, 2026