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Diabetes

Exercise benefits in type 2 diabetes mellitus

People with or who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) could prevent or reduce T2DM-related complications through physical activity. A new study shows the effects of physical activity on mortality in T2DM and another compares the effects of aerobic exercise, weight training or a combined programme on risk of T2DM.

Key Points

  • People with, or at risk of, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) should receive counselling on how to reach the recommended levels of physical activity

  • Physical activity should ideally combine aerobic exercise and weight training

  • Health personnel who manage people with T2DM and those at risk of T2DM should have adequate training and skills to advise their clients about physical activity levels

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References

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Correspondence to Noël C. Barengo.

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Barengo, N., Tuomilehto, J. Exercise benefits in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nat Rev Endocrinol 8, 635–636 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2012.182

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