Exercise

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
Ever since the US Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) multicenter trial was completed nearly two decades ago, we have known that it is possible to prevent, or at least delay, prediabetes (an insulin-resistant state) from progressing into full-blown type 2 diabetes.

Does a higher percentage of vigorous physical activity as part of total exercise time confer additional benefits?

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
With the new year upon us and resolutions made, weight loss may be on your mind, and with it, low-carb eating is one possible way to cut back on calories. Before you decide how to go about losing weight, though, you may want to consider how cutting back on your carbohydrate intake may affect your ability to be physically active.

by Sheri Colberg, PhD
How well you perform (physically) when you exercise is impacted in a number of ways by the intake of macronutrients—that is, carbohydrate, fat, and protein—whether you have diabetes or not. Performance is directly affected by your calorie intake both during an activity and when you are recovering from it.

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
In these challenging times, if we only could get a medication that would boost our immune system and response to viruses, lower all stress associated with being in a pandemic, and treat most of the pre-existing health conditions that are associated with a higher risk of dying from COVID-19, we would all be lined up for it! Guess what? We already have something that does all these things already.

Lifestyle modifications as first-line treatment have paramount importance on the quality of life.

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
Protein is never a key exercise fuel, but it’s critical for other reasons. During most exercise, protein contributes less than 5 percent of the total energy, although it may rise to 10 to 15 percent during a prolonged event like a marathon or Ironman triathlon. Taking in enough dietary protein is important because dietary protein allows your muscles to be repaired after exercise and promotes the synthesis of hormones, enzymes, and other body tissues formed from amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

In type 2 diabetes patients, treating diastolic function and myocardial perfusion reserve could improve aerobic exercise capacity and prevent heart failure. 

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
Yes, I know we're still dealing with a life-changing pandemic around the world and especially in most areas of the United States, but it is still worth thinking ahead to what comes next. Despite our discussion last month on non-gym fitness trends, it is more than likely that many of us have experienced a change (most often a decrease) in our daily physical activities and, subsequently, in our aerobic and muscular fitness levels.

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
The current pandemic has hit most traditional gyms and fitness centers hard, especially once more has been learned about the likely spread of the virus through respiratory droplets. How are people coping with transitioning to home-based workout routines?