SUMMARY:
Physical activity plays a crucial role for patients with diabetes. A personalized medical evaluation is necessary to determine the type of exercise suitable for each individual, considering their health status, explained Dr. Sandro Rosales Rodríguez, a sports nutrition specialist, at the Multidisciplinary Congress on Diabetes Mellitus.
EXERCISE AND HEALTH:
Rosales highlighted the importance of physical activity for overall health, pointing out that physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of death, with around 3.2 million people dying each year due to its impact. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.
According to the World Health Organization, physical activity encompasses any movement produced by skeletal muscles that expends energy. This includes all activities, such as work, play, travel, and domestic chores. “This definition provides a foundation for understanding the energy needs of the patient,” Rosales explained.
Despite the known benefits, one in three adults globally does not meet the minimum physical activity recommendations, which can prevent numerous noncommunicable diseases.
BENEFITS OF EXERCISE FOR DIABETES:
Rosales emphasized that patients with low physical activity levels tend to experience muscle loss, higher glycosylated hemoglobin levels, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. “However, once they begin exercising, we observe improved muscle mass, better blood glucose control, lower glycosylated hemoglobin, increased insulin sensitivity, and better glucose tolerance.”
He stressed that exercise should complement pharmacological treatment, especially through low and moderate-intensity exercises (50% to 75% of VO2peak). “The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, along with strength training two to three times a week,” he added.
TYPES OF EXERCISES:
Dr. Rosales discussed several exercise types: resistance, strength, flexibility, and speed exercises. He explained that in resistance training, weight is used, and longer-duration exercises like tai chi work on strength and endurance.
He also advised monitoring the pulse regularly during exercise, checking glucose levels when possible, and avoiding excessive exercise if the patient feels unwell. “It is important not to overstrain or perform unnecessary stretches. Above all, maintaining a steady breathing rhythm is key to preventing issues like dizziness or blood pressure fluctuations.”
EXERCISE GUIDELINES:
Muscle soreness during exercise is normal, but patients should avoid pulls, cramps, or joint pain. Rosales recommended gradually reducing the intensity before finishing the exercise session, and checking heart rate and glucose levels afterward. Finally, he noted that the heart rate should return to normal within 1 minute after exercise. If it takes longer than 3 minutes, it indicates that the person’s physical condition needs improvement.
