Diabetes and Role of Exercise on its Control; A systematic Review

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic diseases. It is estimated that its worldwide prevalence will reach to 21% up to 2050. In Iran the prevalence of diabetes is estimated to be about 14%. It divided in two categories: type 1 and type 2. Diabetes type 1 is due to absolute deficiency of insulin secretion, and type 2 characterised by resistances to insulin and its inadequate compensation. The aim of diabetes treatment is regulation of blood glucose, lipid and blood pressure to prevent or postpone its complications. Diet, physical activity and medication are three cornerstones in control of diabetes. Aerobic, resistance and combin training is useful in control of diabetes and its dangerous complications. A session of aerobic exercise has shown to increase insulin sensitivity for up to 24-72 hours. Positive effect of exercise is due to its effect on weight loos, increase of Glut4 in muscle and blood flow and decrease in hepatic glucose production. Prolong resistance exercise improve insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and increase skeletal muscle mass and its glycogen content. Exercise prescription for diabetic patients must be done according to their inability, orthopedic limitations and complications of diabetes, so a team of specialists is needed to determine the level and protocol of exercise.