Vnitr Lek 2007, 53(5):537-539

Development of opinions on physical exercise for diabetics

J. Rybka

Diabetologické centrum Interní kliniky IPVZ, přednosta prim. MUDr. Ivo Oral, CSc., WHO-CC, Krajská nemocnice T. Bati a.s., Zlín, vedoucí prof. MUDr. Jaroslav Rybka, DrSc.

Physical activity is an integral part of treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1T) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2T). A programme of regular physical activity adapted to the complications in effect is recommended for all diabetics. Diabetes mellitus has become a problem and an entirely distinct illness for modern cardiology, especially because of the exceptional development of accelerated atherosclerosis. Long term training brings has long term positive effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. There is no doubt that physical activity plays a key role in the regulation of body weight and the reduction in fat deposits for diabetics, with entirely positive results in therapy and the prevention of metabolic syndrome, manifestation of diabetes and reduction of metabolic and cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. Although physical activity has an extraordinarily positive effect on a diabetic's organism, there are also risks that the patient should be made aware of. There is a risk during acute exertion, especially for patients undergoing medication therapy. The possible complications that may be caused by physical exertion should be avoided by suitable patient education. There are increasing levels of strong evidence that regular physical activity contributes to primary and secondary prevention of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes and obesity and is associated with a reduced risk of early death. It has been shown that physical activity improves body composition. In summary it can be said that only regular physical exertion that is determined individually and set precisely in terms of both quantity and quality can achieve the therapeutic objective for the taught patient. Physical activity programmes should be designed for all age groups of diabetics because the risk of chronic illness for diabetics, especially cardiovascular illness, increases with age.

Keywords: physical activity; diabetes mellitus; atherosclerosis; oxidation stress; metabolic syndrome; cardiovascular diseases; obesity

Received: June 21, 2006; Published: May 1, 2007  Show citation