Type 2 Diabetes and Hypokinesis

Causes
Symptoms
Prevention Through Exercise
Recommended Physical Activity Program for People with Type 2

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the U.S. 38.  The prevalence of Type II diabetes is on the rise all over the world and is related to the spread of the western lifestyle 66 . Epidemiological studies on the epidemic outburst of type 2 diabetes have demonstrated that low physical activity levels are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes 41. A landmark study examined the consequences of low physical activity and the development of type II diabetes in the Pima Indians, which have the highest documented incidence of type II diabetes.  This study persuasively demonstrated low physical activity levels was a key determinant in the development of type II diabetes, but also that physical activity may protect against the development of type II diabetes 38.

The development of type 2 diabetes and its complications are characterized by the insulin resistance 23

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

• Over 40 years of age
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Previous diabetes during pregnancy
• Highly stressed
• High blood pressure
• African American
• Hispanic American
• Native American

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

• Feeling tired
• Increased appetite
• Blurred vision
• Dry, itchy skin
• Sexual dysfunction
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Frequent infections
• Increased urination

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Through Exercise

Exercise, a modifiable behavior, is therapeutic or may even prevent Type II diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, lowering the percentage body fat, or beneficially redistributing body fat 38.   The decline in muscle mass with low physical activity is associated with a decline in metabolic function leading to the development of type II diabetes 34.  Physically active individuals are much less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who live a sedentary lifestyle 32.

Recommended Physical Activity Guidelines for People with Type 2 Diabetes 2

This program and level of intensity can help to lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity:

• An aerobic program designed to increase cardiorespiratory endurance, which also expends 1,000 kilocalories per week.
• A well-rounded resistance training program to increase muscular strength and endurance
• Perform exercise 3-5 days/week with no more then 3 consecutive days off
• Low-moderate intensity (40-65% VO2max).
Duration: new to exercise: 10-15 minutes, regular exerciser: 30 minutes (may be broken into 3 ten minute sessions)