Type 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND EXERCISE

Abstract

AbstractSeveral epidemiologic and clinical studies have clearly shown that regular physical activity and exercise are important therapeutic modalities for patients with, or at risk for, diabetes. Despite our lack of understanding of the mechanisms by which exercise exerts its effects, potential benefits of a physically active lifestyle include better glycemic control via improved glucose disposal and insulin sensitivity, which leads to reduced hyperinsulinemia, and lowered need for pharmacological treatment. Exercise may also result in the prevention or control of cardiovascular disease through its effects on some of the factors associated with the metabolic syndrome, including central obesity, hypertension, low HDL, high LDL, hypertriglyceridemia and elevated free‐fatty acids, and fibrinogen levels. Regular exercise will also improve functional capacity and quality of life among this patient population. Most people with diabetes, like their counterparts without diabetes, fail to meet national physical activity goals. Sedentary lifestyles have been linked to 23% of deaths from the leading chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Given the epidemic nature of diabetes in the world during the 21st century, diabetes management through physical activity should be a major therapeutic goal and public health priority. Understanding the beneficial effects of exercise, as well as the mechanisms for adopting a physically active lifestyle, is important for the management of diabetes mellitus. Despite the well‐known benefits of exercise, patient education, paired with the implementation and promotion of safe habits of physical activity for individuals with diabetes, is still inadequate.