Physical Activity

In part 3 of this Exclusive Interview, Sheri Colberg shares her primary recommended form of exercise in a discussion with Diabetes in Control Publisher Steve Freed.

In part 4 of this Exclusive Interview, Sheri Colberg talks with Diabetes in Control Publisher Steve Freed about the consumption of sports drinks versus water.

By Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, FACSM
If you take any other medications to help lower your blood cholesterol, manage your blood pressure, or control other health problems, be aware that some of them can potentially impact your ability to be physically active. Although most drugs do not affect exercise, several common nondiabetes medications with such potential effects are statins, beta-blockers, diuretics, vasodilators, and blood thinners.

Metformin and physical activity best prophylactic interventions for prevention.

Carbohydrate ingestion combined with short sprints before a moderate-intensity workout does not negatively affect patients with type 1 diabetes.

By Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, FACSM

There is no official ideal blood glucose range to start with and maintain during physical activity, but we do know that being too low negatively impacts performance, as does being too high. As for what blood glucose target or range most athletes aim for, it depends on a number of factors, including the type, intensity, and duration of their activity. A consensus statement about exercise and type 1 diabetes published in The Lancet in 2017 suggested that a reasonable target for most people doing aerobic exercise lasting up to an hour is 126 to 180 mg/dL (7.0 to 10.0 mmol/L), only aiming higher for added protection against lows in some situations.

Short duration, high intensity resistance exercise to increase muscle strength and mass shown beneficial.

By Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, FACSM

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, if you use insulin, you may choose to use a specialized insulin pump for both your basal and bolus insulin delivery. Pumps have a small catheter placed under your skin and are programmed to cover your basal insulin needs by delivering small doses of fast-acting insulin to mimic normal insulin release by the pancreas. Insulin pumps are programmed to deliver small, basal doses of fast-acting insulin to mimic normal insulin release by the pancreas throughout the day. These pumps are not ideal for everyone, and the choice to use one should be an individual one.

Study aims to determine whether exercise training at two distinct times of day would have differing effects on 24-hour glucose levels in men with type 2 diabetes.

Small but frequent activity helps improve insulin concentrations and sensitivity in children with excess weight and obesity.