Physical activity and diabetes
Posted on 11/18/2011
Exercise is important for everyone, but especially for people living with diabetes. Exercise may help reduce insulin resistance, control blood pressure and blood lipids (fats), control blood glucose levels, reduce stress, increase energy and increase strength and ease of movement.
Additional benefits accrue from gradually increased aerobic exercise aimed at achieving at least 60% of maximal heart rate (220 minus age), such as walking 45 minutes at a brisk pace (approximately 3 to 5 miles an hour) three to five times a week.
Exercise decreases insulin resistance and glycemia, contributes modestly to weight loss, reduces the risk of future cardiovascular disease, improves prognosis should a myocardial infarction occur, and enhances the patient’s sense of well-being and physical fitness. Conversely, physical inactivity predicts mortality in men with diabetes mellitus. In the presence of known coronary artery disease (CAD), the exercise should be prescribed with input from the patient’s cardiologist.
If diabetes mellitus has existed for more than 5 to 10 years or if the patient already has peripheral vascular or cerebral vascular disease, autonomic neuropathy, microalbuminuria, dyslipidemia, or a history of smoking, an electrocardiogram is essential and an electrocardiographic exercise tolerance test is prudent before initiating a formal exercise program.
*ALWAYS CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM.
The key to a successful exercise program is to find something that you enjoy doing. Start slow, set goals and make it fun. And don’t forget to reward yourself when you accomplish your goals.
For help with a personalized exercise prescription contact your physician, exercise physiologist or diabetes educator.
