Being active module

Regular exercise can improve glycaemic control and reduce the risk of micro and macrovascular complications, increase insulin sensitivity, reduce stress and help prevent depression, contribute to weight loss (although dietary strategies appear to be greater contributors to weight loss and reduction in BMI), weight maintenance, and contribute to lipid and blood pressure control. However, along with dietary change, physical activity remains problematic for people with diabetes as with the general population ¹.

Physical activity participation is better than no exercise at all but more vigorous exercise achieves better clinical outcomes. A combination of aerobic training plus resistance training create a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity when compared to aerobic training alone. Structured exercise interventions appear to be more successful than unstructured interventions ¹.

Individuals with pre-existing nephropathy, neuropathy or retinopathy require special consideration in the design of exercise programs ^{1, 2}.

Avoidance of injury and harm in exercise requires attention to appropriate foot care and self blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) where individuals are at risk of hypoglycaemia.