Aerobic exercise as a protective factor in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is considered a chronic degenerative disease, which is one of the most prevalent disorders in the older adult population, representing up to 14% of the world's population. DM2 is associated with chronic complications such as neuropathy, heart failure, nephropathy, retinopathy, among others. Several studies have shown that the constant performance of aerobic exercise in older adults with DM2 favors glycemic control, decreased insulin resistance, as well as improved pancreatic β-cell function. Likewise, aerobic exercise applied to daily life increases self-esteem, and produces a sense of well-being in the older adult. In this sense, aerobic exercise in older adult patients with DM2 gives them a physical and psychological improvement, which translates into a better quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this article is to present the results obtained from the review of several documents where it is observed that aerobic exercise is a protective factor in older adults with DM2.