There are few situations in which lifestyle modification does not help to improve the outcome of management of a disorder. Early diabetes and mild to moderate hypertension and mild high blood cholesterol levels can be controlled with lifestyle modifications involving dietary discipline, commitment to regular exercise, and learning how to cope with stress. The additional benefits of an improved self-image and feelings of well-being can hardly be quantified.

Specifically, in relation to diabetes and physical activity, exercise can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by:

Improving general fitness

Increasing heart function

Lowering blood pressure

Lowering blood cholesterol

Reducing total body fat

Reducing intra-abdominal fat, which is a known risk factor for insulin resistance in diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes, the body builds up a resistance to insulin and is unable to utilise it for sugar metabolism. Body fat worsens insulin resistance. Increased exercise (and dietary regulation) reduces body fat and lessens this obstruction to the control of diabetes.

Physical activity helps to retard the progression of type 2 diabetes, especially in the early stages of the disease. Increased physical activity has been documented to reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 50 per cent in women!

Because of this, it is recommended that physical activity be added to dietary modification and drug therapy in the management of diabetes.

The adherence to physical exercise, dietary modification, and drug regimen, greatly reduces the complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Dietary modification is also always necessary for control of diabetes where the focus is on carbohydrate restriction.

It is a good idea to consult a dietician in order to be able to maintain a meal plan which is attractive to the individual yet conforms with goals of sugar (carbohydrate) and fat (especially in the obese) restriction.

Write to: LIFELINE

PO BOX 1731

KGN 8