diabetes mellitus
Research
Lifestyle
Source: PLOS ONE
Put yourself in control: exercise in the management of type 2 diabetes
In a nutshell
This study assessed the influence of exercise and physical activity on the management of type 2 diabetes.
Some background
Physical activity has long been considered as a cornerstone in the treatment of diabetes mellitus along with adequate nutrition and medical therapy. In an attempt to determine the exact role of physical activity in the management of diabetes, this paper analyzed recently published literature on the clinical significance of physical activity according to the type and extent of exercise used.
Methods & findings
25 published studies were found eligible for review, 65% of which were randomized controlled trials (the gold standard for assessing the effectiveness of a new treatment or management strategy). The majority of exercise training programs were based on aerobic exercises, such as swimming, cycling, rowing, walking and running. Only a few studies focused on resistance exercises, or strength training, such as weightlifting, yoga and climbing.
The review found that aerobic exercise significantly improves cardiovascular and respiratory functions, thought to be crucial in the prevention of diabetic complications. Most of the studies reviewed showed that regular aerobic exercise not only produced weight loss, but also improved glycemic control and fasting blood-glucose levels. Aerobic exercise was also shown to significantly improve insulin sensitivity, considered an accurate estimate of disease progression. Several recent studies have also demonstrated the ability of aerobic exercise to reduce arterial stiffness, a known contributor to cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.
Resistance exercise, also known as strength training, is mainly employed to increase bone strength, metabolism and the strength and mass of muscles. Several studies have reported strength training to enhance insulin sensitivity, daily energy expenditure and most significantly, overall quality of life. The increase in muscle strength and mass due to resistance training has also been suggested to improve glycemic control. Studies suggest the frequency and intensity of resistance exercise should vary from 30 to 60 minutes a day, typically 2 to 3 times per week.
Overall, most studies suggest that exercise associated insulin sensitivity improvements normally last no more than 72 hours, indicating a need for exercise or physical activity at least 2 to 3 times per week.
The bottom line
This review concluded that regular exercise, two to three times weekly, results in effective disease management among type 2 diabetics, regardless of medical treatment. Both aerobic and resistance exercise showed improved insulin sensitivity levels following activity.
Disclaimer:
This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided by Medivizor solely at your own risk. Medivizor makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of information provided herein. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician.
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good information but hard to commit to Reply
I have type 2 and exercise least 4 times a week.
1/2 hour on stationery bike.
1?2 hour in pool wearing an Aqua Jogger.
So far my Diabetes seems under control and my Dr. reduced
Metforman in 1/2
Accupril in1/2
Eliminated Chrestor
Reply
It seems to me your keeping your Diabetes under control by going to the pool, I have not been doing much exercise the last 18 months, and am overweight and have numbness in my toes. I'm not happy with myself in this point but now its summer here and I'm going start go to the pool and walking more. Also reducing my Metforman to 1 per day as prescribed by the Dr. I didn't do this last 6 months but will now. Cath Reply
Im litimed to wat exercise i can go but im going to try ive gone threw alot of stress wth noisey neighbours i ave i suffer from fibrmalga cervil spondise osts pines n needles in arms n hands got calnear spur in feet depession arthitris in knees but im going to try do some exercises if it gets my bloodsugers down last fri they were 17 i really want them down im 5ft 2" need to lose weight ive joined slimming world so hoping get toned up for my health n my holiday in april i also on patcges for pain 200mg metirorm 1morning 1 teatime i drink alot of water im type2 for 6yrs im 57yrs Reply
Im 5ft 2"tpye2 on 2000mg tablets 1in morning 1 teatime i suffer from fibrmslga cervil spondise osto lower back pain depession calnaer spur in feet arthrits in knees litimed to execises as i cant bend ive joined ive joined slimming world as i need weght off formy health i use easy breath in haler for lungs on patches for pain aswell as tablets Reply
So can one assume the recommended frequency and duration are a minimum to see results and that daily would be even better? Reply
I walk at least 1 hour a day, I have also lost 3 stones in weight and feel much better for it. My last visit to the diabetic nurse, resulted in a bit of a lecture about my bloods still being a bit too high at an average of 7.2, I live in the UK, my feet are a little numb on the balls of the feet, but generally I'm in good health. Reply