Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association
- Sheri R. Colberg1⇑,
- Ronald J. Sigal2,
- Jane E. Yardley3,
- Michael C. Riddell4,
- David W. Dunstan5,
- Paddy C. Dempsey5,
- Edward S. Horton6,
- Kristin Castorino7 and
- Deborah F. Tate8
- 1Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
- 2Departments of Medicine, Cardiac Sciences, and Community Health Sciences, Faculties of Medicine and Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- 3Department of Social Sciences, Augustana Campus, University of Alberta, Camrose, Alberta, Canada
- 4School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 5Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- 6Harvard Medical School and Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA
- 7William Sansum Diabetes Center, Santa Barbara, CA
- 8Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- Corresponding author: Sheri R. Colberg, scolberg{at}odu.edu.
The adoption and maintenance of physical activity are critical foci for blood glucose management and overall health in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes. Recommendations and precautions vary depending on individual characteristics and health status. In this Position Statement, we provide a clinically oriented review and evidence-based recommendations regarding physical activity and exercise in people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus, and prediabetes.
Physical activity includes all movement that increases energy use, whereas exercise is planned, structured physical activity. Exercise improves blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes, reduces cardiovascular risk factors, contributes to weight loss, and improves well-being (1,2). Regular exercise may prevent or delay type 2 diabetes development (3). Regular exercise also has considerable health benefits for people with type 1 diabetes (e.g., improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, insulin sensitivity, etc.) (4). The challenges related to blood glucose management vary with diabetes type, activity type, and presence of diabetes-related complications (5,6). Physical activity and exercise recommendations, therefore, should be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual.
TYPES AND CLASSIFICATIONS OF DIABETES AND PREDIABETES
Physical activity recommendations and precautions may vary by diabetes type. The primary types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes (5%–10% of cases) results from cellular-mediated autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic β-cells, producing insulin deficiency (7). Although it can occur at any age, β-cell destruction rates vary, typically occurring more rapidly in youth than in adults. Type 2 diabetes (90%–95% of cases) results from a progressive loss of insulin secretion, usually also with insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes mellitus occurs during pregnancy, with screening typically occurring at 24–28 weeks of gestation in pregnant women not previously known to have diabetes. Prediabetes is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are above the normal range but not high enough to be classified as …
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- Article
- TYPES AND CLASSIFICATIONS OF DIABETES AND PREDIABETES
- TYPES OF EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
- BENEFITS OF EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
- BENEFITS OF AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCED SEDENTARY TIME
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND TYPE 1 DIABETES
- RECOMMENDED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PREGNANCY WITH DIABETES
- MINIMIZING EXERCISE-RELATED ADVERSE EVENTS IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
- MANAGING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH HEALTH COMPLICATIONS
- PROMOTING THE ADOPTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
- Conclusions
- Article Information
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- References
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