Diabetes and exercise: unlocking the potential for effective management and prevention

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a progressive, chronic metabolic disorder predominantly defined by glucose dysregulation, insulin resistance, and defective insulin secretion. It affects more than 460 million individuals globally with a heavy burden on health sector, economy, and individual's life. This narrative review paper looks at a cost-effective intervention with a potential to contribute to prevention of the disease, regulate condition, and prevent complications. Exercising regularly has a positive impact on glycemic control, improved insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk factors like lipid profiles, blood pressure, and promoting overall cardiovascular and psychological well-being. It addresses critical function of exercise in the management of diabetes through consideration of its physiological mechanisms, exercise type, and clinical benefits of regular exercise. It investigated safe and effective exercise prescription protocols for diabetic patients from aerobic, resistance to flexibility and high-intensity interval training. Although the benefits have been demonstrated, barriers such as physical impairment, comorbidities, low knowledge and motivation prevent individuals from exercising. Addressing these barriers need a multi-sectoral solution to reconcile behavioral support, patient education, electronic health interventions, and policy advocacy. It calls for personalized exercise regimens, longer interventions focusing on diabetes complications, and interprofessional collaboration between healthcare, fitness, and mental health professionals. It highlights research gaps the impact of exercise on durable glycemic control.