VOLUME 33, NUMBER 12, DECEMBER 2010 | Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, FACSM, Ronald J. Sigal, MD, MPH, FRCP(C), Bo Fernhall, PhD, FACSM, Judith G. Regensteiner, PhD, Bryan J. Blissmer, PhD, Richard R. Rubin, PhD, Lisa Chasan-Taber, ScD, FACSM, Ann L. Albright, PhD, RD, Barry Braun, PhD, FACSM
The article, authored by a team from various institutions, highlights the critical role of physical activity (PA) in the prevention and management of Type 2 Diabetes. Despite its importance, many individuals with this chronic disease do not engage in regular physical activity. Recent studies have established that regular PA improves blood glucose control, reduces the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, and positively impacts lipids, blood pressure, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Structured interventions combining PA with modest weight loss can lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by up to 58% in high-risk populations. The benefits of PA are primarily realized through acute and chronic improvements in insulin action, achieved through both aerobic and resistance training. The article discusses the benefits of physical training, provides recommendations for different activities, and addresses safe and effective practices for individuals with diabetes-related complications. It emphasizes that regular exercise is essential for optimal health in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have reviewed the research and developed specific recommendations for PA participation, exercise with nonoptimal blood glucose control, medication effects on exercise responses, and exercise with long-term complications of diabetes.The article, authored by a team from various institutions, highlights the critical role of physical activity (PA) in the prevention and management of Type 2 Diabetes. Despite its importance, many individuals with this chronic disease do not engage in regular physical activity. Recent studies have established that regular PA improves blood glucose control, reduces the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, and positively impacts lipids, blood pressure, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Structured interventions combining PA with modest weight loss can lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by up to 58% in high-risk populations. The benefits of PA are primarily realized through acute and chronic improvements in insulin action, achieved through both aerobic and resistance training. The article discusses the benefits of physical training, provides recommendations for different activities, and addresses safe and effective practices for individuals with diabetes-related complications. It emphasizes that regular exercise is essential for optimal health in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have reviewed the research and developed specific recommendations for PA participation, exercise with nonoptimal blood glucose control, medication effects on exercise responses, and exercise with long-term complications of diabetes.