Physical Activity & Diabetes
What Is Diabetes? - Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic high blood sugar and insufficient insulin secretion or utilization. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in America. The death rate from diabetes has increased 20% since 1979.
Types of Diabetes - Type I diabetics are usually insulin dependent. Their bodies do not produce enough insulin. Onset of this form of diabetes typically occurs early in life. Type II diabetics are usually non-insulin dependent. About 80% of diabetics are Type II.
Risks Associated With Diabetes - Diabetics have 2 to 3 times the risk of CHD. Many risks are related to other CVD risk factors. For example, about 80% of Type II diabetics are obese at onset. Diabetics are also twice as likely to have high blood pressure, and poor lipid profiles.
Research on Physical Activity & Diabetes - Many
studies have linked physical inactivity to diabetes. One
study tested whether cardiorespiratory fitness, was a
predictor of risk for the later development Type II diabetes
More than 8,000 men without diabetes, cancer, or a history
of heart attack or stroke were studied. The least fit men
were at 2.6 times greater risk for developing Type II
diabetes within six years. This and other studies confirm
that low levels of fitness increase the risk for diabetes.
Notes:
Diabetes is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Physical activity can significantly reduce a person’s risk of diabetes and also help current diabetics by reducing insulin requirements.