Fight diabetes with physical activity

Fight diabetes with physical activity

Fight diabetes with physical activity and right diet Dr Kanwaljit Chopra and Anurag Kuhad
Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, has assumed alarming proportions. A WHO estimate shows at least 171 million people worldwide have diabetes and this is likely to increase to at least 366 million by 2030. The top 10 affected countries are India, China, the US, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, Italy and Bangladesh.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, there are around 35 million diabetics in India and this figure will rise to 80 million by 2030. Developing countries will show more of this increase due to population growth, ageing and unhealthy diets. Another worrisome aspect is the growing incidence of Type II diabetes at a younger age. The mean age of diabetes in developing countries is between 35 and 64 years, implying that the most productive years of a patient’s life are going to be affected.

Diabetes has become one of the major causes of premature illness and death, mainly through increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The number of deaths attributed annually to diabetes is around 3.2 million.

Due to its chronic nature, the severity of its complications and the means required to control them, diabetes is a costly disease, not only for affected individuals and their families, but also for the health systems. Studies in India estimate that for a low-income Indian family with an adult with diabetes, as much as 25 per cent of the family income may be devoted to diabetes care.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA), a non-profit organisation and an authority on diabetes care, has issued a position statement regarding the standards of medical care. Nutrition and physical activity are integrating components of primary prevention. It can have a considerable impact by decreasing or delaying diabetes and its complications. The management plan should be formulated on an individual basis with the involvement of the patient, the physician and the affected family and this should become an integral component of care.
For people with diabetes, the ADA recommends an individualised meal — and lifestyle — plan as an important aspect of managing diabetes and weight. The ADA supports the USDA’s effort to emphasise the importance of balancing food intake with daily physical activity. Such a balance is essential in promoting health, including the prevention of diabetes and its complications, such as cardiovascular disease.

Physical activity can lower the blood glucose levels up to 36 hours after finishing the activity. For the maximum benefit, do 30-minute activity at least five days a week. An important aspect is that physical activity has to be a part of regular routine.

Other benefits of physical activity:
Physical activity builds healthy bones, muscles and joints, and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Physical activity also helps psychologically. It reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, improves mood and promotes a sense of well-being.

The 1996 US Surgeon-General’s Report on Physical Activity also suggests that active people have a lower risk for stroke.