IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Todorović Nikola 
Published: December 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is probably one of the oldest diseases known to man. There are two types of diabetes, insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes mellitus, and insulin-independent or type 2 diabetes mellitus. About 90% of diabetic patients have type 2 DM. The chronic metabolic disorder caused by other factors such as malnutrition, stress, an insufficient level of physical activity and genetics. Diabetes is not a disease of modern times. It was first reported in an Egyptian manuscript about 3000 years ago, but with the development of technology and industry has led to an increasing number of people suffering from the disease. As a result of this trend, it is rapidly becoming an epidemic in some countries in the world with a tendency to grow more. The number of people with diabetes is expected to double in the next decade. The main reason for this assumption is the aging of the population. Developing countries are especially at high risk, as a consequence of a sudden increase in quality of life can lead to an increase in patients with type 2 DM. Sedentary lifestyles are associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In contrast, lifestyle change programs that include physical activity and exercise play an important role in the prevention and treatment of type 2 DM syndrome as well as macrovascular complications of type 2 DM. Physical exercise is emerging as a new tool in the fight against diabetes. This review paper outlines the importance and types of physical activity, the recommendations, and the benefits it brings. The literature review was performed on the PubMed (Medline) platform. Only English language articles are included. Usually, the term exercise refers to aerobic exercise in the general population. In this work, in addition to aerobic training and the benefits it brings, the effects of other training methods, such as strength training, yoga or tai chi, are also analyzed. Physical activity and exercise are one of the most effective agents in the fight against diabetes. The impact of training on blood glucose control can last up to 72 hours after training has ended. Moderate to high levels of aerobic activity are significantly associated with lower cardiovascular and overall mortality risks for type 1 and type 2 DM. The general recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) is 150 min per week of moderate to intense physical activity. Aerobic training increases cardiorespiratory fitness and has the effect of reducing insulin resistance. Strength training leads to improved balance, strength, and assists in the daily activities of life. More intense strength training with free weights and trainers can improve glycemic control. Flexibility and balance exercises are important for maintaining joint movement and balance, reducing the risk of falls and improving the quality of life. People with DM should exercise daily. It is recommended that aerobic training should be combined with strength training 2 to 3 times a week. It is especially important to suggest and encourage the active lifestyles of people with DM. Physical activity is a cure and improves all parameters of health and quality of life.