The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association: joint position statement
Although physical activity (PA) is a key element in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, many with this chronic disease do not become or remain regularly active. High-quality studies establishing the importance of exercise and fitness in diabetes were lacking until recently, but it is now well established that participation in regular physical activity improves blood glucose control and can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, along with positively affecting lipids, blood pressure, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Structured interventions combining physical activity and modest weight loss have been shown to lower type 2 diabetes risk by up to 58% in high-risk populations. Most benefits of physical activity on diabetes management are realized through acute and chronic improvements in insulin action, accomplished with both aerobic and resistance training.
Numerous benefits exist in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes with physical training. Physical activity is associated with blood glucose management, diabetes prevention, gestational diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes has become a widespread epidemic, primarily because of the increasing prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2007, almost 24 million Americans had diabetes, with one-quarter of those, or six million, undiagnosed. Currently, it is estimated that almost 60 million U.S. residents also have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal, thus greatly increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes. Lifetime risk estimates suggest that one in three Americans born in 2000 or later will develop diabetes, but in high-risk ethnic populations, closer to 50% may develop it. Type 2 diabetes is a significant cause of premature mortality and morbidity related to cardiovascular disease , blindness, kidney and nerve disease, and amputation. Although regular physical activity may prevent or delay diabetes and its complications, most people with type 2 diabetes are not active.
Although regular physical activity may prevent or delay diabetes and its complications, most people with type 2 diabetes are not active.
Treatment goals in type 2 diabetes
The goal of treatment in type 2 diabetes is to achieve and maintain optimal blood glucose (blood sugar), lipid, and blood pressure levels to prevent or delay chronic complications of diabetes. Many people with type 2 diabetes can achieve blood glucose control by following a nutritious meal plan and exercise program, losing excess weight, implementing necessary self-care behaviors, and taking oral medications, although others may need supplemental insulin. Diet and physical activity are central to the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes because they help treat the associated glucose, lipid, blood pressure control abnormalities, as well as aid in weight loss and maintenance. When medications are used to control type 2 diabetes, they should augment lifestyle improvements, not replace them.
RECOMMENDED PA PARTICIPATION FOR PERSONS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Just 39% of adults with diabetes are physically active compared with 58% of other American adults. However, for most people with type 2 diabetes, exercise is recommended for diabetes management and can be undertaken safely and effectively.
- Aerobic exercise training
- Resistance exercise training
- Combined aerobic and resistance and other types of training
During 2012 The San Antonio Fitness Examiner will be writing articles looking at aerobic exercise training, resistance exercise training and the combination of the two in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes based on the ACSM position stand in regards to exercise and type 2 diabetes.
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