What is a potential benefit of regular exercise for individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome?

Regular exercise is known to bring about several positive changes in individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, and one of its key benefits is the reduction of insulin resistance. When a person engages in regular physical activity, their body's ability to use insulin effectively improves, leading to better glucose metabolism. This occurs because exercise enhances muscle sensitivity to insulin, facilitating glucose uptake from the bloodstream into the cells where it can be used for energy.

Moreover, reducing insulin resistance plays a vital role in managing and potentially reversing metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance. By promoting better insulin function, regular exercise can also lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, common concerns associated with metabolic syndrome. This links physical activity directly to improved metabolic health and underscores its importance in lifestyle management for these individuals.

In contrast to the correct answer, other choices relate to negative outcomes. Increased insulin resistance and higher fasting blood sugar levels are detrimental conditions that exercise aims to improve, while weight gain contradicts the goal of managing metabolic syndrome, where a reduction in weight is typically desired.