posted 10/07/02
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have found that exercise may significantly help the cardiovascular problems related to type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure paired with type 2 diabetes can lead to heart abnormalities and damage to the blood vessels. Most individuals with type 2 diabetes die from cardiovascular trouble such as coronary artery disease or stroke. They are also at a two- to four-times the risk of developing cardiovascular disease over non-type 2 diabetic people. Between 1990 and 2000, the number of Americans with type 2 diabetes increased from 4.9 percent to 7.3 percent.
Kerry J. Stewart, Ed. D., director of clinical exercise at Johns Hopkins believes that in order to prevent cardiovascular problems, control blood sugar, and lower blood pressure, type 2 diabetics should engage in aerobic exercise and weight lifting on a regular basis. Exercise also helps improve blood pressure and blood vessel function, decrease total body fat and improve insulin management. Stewart says: "There's a great focus on the search for genetic methods of treating diabetes and other chronic conditions, but although gene therapy is not yet available for diabetics, 'gym therapy' is. The benefits of exercise go way beyond controlling blood sugar. Physicians should urge their patients to become more active."
Stewart examined 235 medical reports from 1985 to 2002 on exercise, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Using the medical materials he found, he was able to put together exercise strategies for type 2 diabetics. Stewart recommends type 2 diabetics warm up, stretch for five to ten minutes, do aerobic activity for 30 to 45 minutes. This should be done at 55 percent to 79 percent of their maximum heart rate, three to four times a week followed by a cool down. He also suggests weight training should involve lifting for 20 minutes.
Source: Ivanhoe Newswire: Journal of the American Medical Association, 2002:288:1622-1631.