The Centre for Activity and Ageing, affiliated with the Faculties of Health Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario and the Lawson Research Institute of the St. Joseph's Health Centre . DEs were inconsistent in their message concerning exercise and were especially reluctant to give intensity guidelines, although they are likely the primary vehicle for dissemination of such knowledge. Inconsistent messages are a reflection of available standards and guidelines, which are themselves inconsistent and confusing. Not surprisingly, individuals with Type 2 diabetes are confused about how much exercise is enough and about how to get more active. Not only does the program need to be efficacious in regards to the parameters of exercise prescription, but it must appeal to individuals sufficiently to enhance their own compliance to the recommendations.
Program evaluation is necessary to determine what is feasible, acceptable and cost-effective.
The American College of Physicians recognizes exercise to be an essential component of an effective intensive treatment plan designed to normalize blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes 1 . Exercise can also help reduce risk of long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease 2 . These recommendations are similar to those intended for a general population 4 . It is debatable whether such structured exercise recommendations are realistic or acceptable to individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Our own recent research indicates that such clientele who attend formal programs structured on this prescription have a particularly high drop-out rate 5 .