Frequent exercise needed to combat type 2 diabetes - Brief Article

AORN Journal,  Oct, 2003  

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Aerobic exercise produces increased insulin sensitivity, and it often is prescribed to help prevent or control type 2 diabetes. People older than 40 years of age, however, need to exercise frequently and regularly to realize this benefit, according to an Aug 15, 2003, news release from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. As people age, they typically experience a decline in insulin sensitivity, which makes them more prone to developing diabetes. A study that focused on whether people retain the positive effects of regular aerobic exercise over time found that younger participants maintained higher insulin sensitivity as many as four days after their last aerobic exercise session, but middle-aged and older adults did not sustain increased insulin sensitivity. Increased insulin sensitivity helps regulate blood glucose and can prevent of reduce negative effects of high blood glucose levels.

Sixty-five healthy, mostly sedentary, men and women ages 21 to 87 participated in aerobic exercise sessions that increased in length and intensity during a four-month period. Researchers measured participants' insulin sensitivity, abdominal fat, and enzyme systems involved in cellular energy conversion at the start of the program and again three to four days after the last exercise session. Both younger and older participants had reduced abdominal fat and increased enzymes involved in cellular energy production when they were evaluated after the exercise program.

Mayo Clinic Study Finds People Over 40 Need Frequent Exercise to Prevent or Treat Type 2 Diabetes (news release, Rochester, Minn: Mayo Clinic, Aug 15, 2003) http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2003-rst/1911.html (accessed 20 Aug 2003).

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