Description
Physical activity is generally perceived to be important in the management plan of type 2 diabetes due to its effects on glycaemia. However, regular physical activity in subjects with type 2 diabetes not only improves short and long term glycaemic control, but has beneficial effects on hypertension, dyslipidaemia and abnormalities of fibrinolysis and coagulation. In addition, regular physical activity helps to lose weight and maintain weight loss, improves physical and psychological well being and may enhance quality of life. Preliminary data suggest that it may also help to reduce long term mortality. Despite these potential benefits, uptake rates and compliance with physical activity remains discouragingly poor. To reap the multiple benefits of physical activity in patients with type 2 diabetes, innovative approaches to promote, physical activity need to be evaluated.
