Regular Physical Activity and Exercise in Prevention and Management of Diabetes Melitus

Dear Editor,

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.^[1] The national Diabetes Data Group (2000) indicated that DM consists of three different types, which include: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.^[2]

Type I DM also used to be referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulindependent diabetes and it is due to the destruction of β cells of the pancreas.^[3] Also, Type 2 DM was previously referred to as “adult-onset diabetes”. It is used to be called non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes.^[4] Here, the pancreas usually produces some insulin, but the insulin might not be enough or the body cells get resistant to it. As such, the body cannot utilize the insulin that is released.^[5] However, the third type of diabetes mellitus is the gestational diabetes, and it occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels.^[6]Read more...