Effects of Physical Activities on People with Diabetes

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Preventive Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 10097

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Interests: neurophysiology; visual system; diabetes; exercise physiology; visuo-motor control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Interests: exercise physiology; diabetes; autonomic nervous system; cardiovascular system; oculomotor system

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that people of all ages and abilities can improve their quality of life through regular physical activity associated with well-designed dietary recommendations and nutrition therapy. Health benefits start immediately after exercising, and even short episodes of physical activity are beneficial. Exercise is normally suggested in the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In type 2 diabetes, the practice of physical exercise can result in improved glycemic control. In addition, exercise can help to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, reducing its world-wide burden. In type 1 diabetes, however, the expected improvements in glycemic control with exercise have not been clearly established.

The aim of the Special Issue is to provide an updated panorama of the influence of physical exercise on diabetes, focusing on new and emerging topics and on prevention, to be developed and implemented to promote physical exercise as a non-pharmacological treatment of the disease.

We encourage papers addressing exercise interventions, new methodologies focusing on diabetes complications, balance dysfunction and postural instability, as well as analysis of the public health consequences of the constant practice of physical exercise.

Dr. Milena Raffi
Dr. Alessandro Piras
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • diabetes
  • type 2 diabetes
  • type 1 diabetes
  • physical activity
  • physical exercise
  • visual system
  • motor control
  • postural control
  • eye movements
  • sensorimotor integration
  • fear of fall

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Obesity Among Type 2 Diabetic Participants in Abha, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Fahad Abdullah Saeed Al Jarad, Bayapa Reddy Narapureddy, Hamza Radhwan Derkaoui, Abdulaziz Saud A. Aldayal, Meshari Mohammed H. Alotaibi, Faisal Hammad A. Aladhyani, Shaik Mohammed Asif and Kandasamy Muthugounder
Healthcare 2025, 13(6), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13060658 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 432
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of obesity among type 2 diabetic participants is a growing concern globally, including in Abha, Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and its associated risk factors of obesity among type 2 diabetic participants in Abha. Methods: A [...] Read more.
Background: The prevalence of obesity among type 2 diabetic participants is a growing concern globally, including in Abha, Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and its associated risk factors of obesity among type 2 diabetic participants in Abha. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted 400 type 2 diabetic participants in Abha, Saudi Arabia. A hybrid method (snowball sampling + purposive) techniques were used to obtain an adequate sample size. Data were collected after obtaining telephonic or digital consent; the questionnaire was shared with participants who were able and willing to complete it independently those with type 2 diabetes who wished to participate but were unable to complete the questionnaire on their own. The researcher conducted a telephonic interview and recorded their responses. The questionnaire captured demographic details, Anthropometric history, medical history, lifestyle habits, and type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) specific factors. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity among the type 2 DM study participants was 46.0%, 115 participants (28.8%) fell into the Obesity Grade I category, 43 (10.8%) as Obesity Grade II, while 26 (6.5%) were classified as Obesity Grade III, the overall median BMI of participants was 29.3 ± 5.88. Significant bio-demographic factors associated with obesity included age, gender, educational level, marital status, and co-morbidities (p < 0.05). Notably, females and older adults exhibited higher obesity rates. Significant lifestyle factors included the frequency and type of physical activity, soft drink consumption, and attempts to control weight. Participants who exercised regularly and avoided soft drinks had lower obesity rates. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified age, gender, co-morbidities, family history of obesity, regular dinner consumption, soft drink consumption, and exercise frequency as significant predictors of obesity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study determined a high prevalence of obesity among type 2 diabetic participants in Abha, Saudi Arabia, with significant associations with bio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Interventions targeting weight management, physical activity, dietary habits, and health education are urgently needed to address obesity in this population. Further research is recommended to explore these associations longitudinally and to develop tailored intervention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Activities on People with Diabetes)
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13 pages, 844 KiB  
Article
Advanced Glycation End Products and Mobility Decline: A Novel Perspective on Aging
by Hyeong Jun Park, Moon Jin Lee and Jiyoun Kim
Healthcare 2025, 13(6), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13060613 - 12 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are high-molecular-weight compounds formed through non-enzymatic reactions between sugars and proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the association between the accumulation of AGEs and lower-limb muscle strength, gait speed, and balance [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are high-molecular-weight compounds formed through non-enzymatic reactions between sugars and proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the association between the accumulation of AGEs and lower-limb muscle strength, gait speed, and balance abilities related to mobility in elderly individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study included 552 community-dwelling older adults. AGE accumulation was assessed using skin autofluorescence (SAF) measured using an AGE reader. Mobility decline factors were evaluated using the sit-to-stand (STS), gait speed (4 m walk tests), single-leg stance (SLS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. Results: A comparison of the physical function across the quartile groups revealed that the group with the highest SAF values, Q4, exhibited a general decline in STS, gait speed, SLS, and TUG performance when compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that the SAF-AGEs demonstrated significant negative correlations with STS (r = −0.211, p < 0.001), gait speed (r = −0.243, p < 0.001) and SLS (r = −0.201, p < 0.001). Additionally, TUG showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.239, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, compared with the Q1 group, the Q4 group had significantly higher odds of low STS performance (odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, p = 0.006), slow gait speed (OR = 2.28, p = 0.002), low SLS performance (OR = 2.52, p = 0.001), and slow TUG (OR = 2.00, p = 0.035). The optimal cutoff value of the SAF for mobility decline was 3.15 (area under the curve 0.694; 95% confidence interval: 0.618–0.771). Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that higher SAF values were associated with decreased lower-limb strength, gait speed, and balance, thereby suggesting that SAF may be a useful screening tool for predicting mobility decline in older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Activities on People with Diabetes)
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15 pages, 651 KiB  
Article
Impact of a Discontinuous Training Program on Sedentary Behavior in Italian Type 2 Diabetes Older Patients: The Results of the TRIPL-A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Anna Rita Bonfigli, Cristina Gagliardi, Olga Protic, Adrianapia Maria Lamedica, Maria Paola Luconi, Federica Turchi, Elena Tortato, Mirko Di Rosa, Francesco Lucertini and Liana Spazzafumo
Healthcare 2024, 12(8), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12080848 - 17 Apr 2024
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Abstract
Background: Physical activity is an important predictor of quality of life in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Unfortunately, most T2D adults adopt a sedentary lifestyle. The randomized, controlled TRIPL-A trial aims to verify the effect of a personalized, discontinuous exercise [...] Read more.
Background: Physical activity is an important predictor of quality of life in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Unfortunately, most T2D adults adopt a sedentary lifestyle. The randomized, controlled TRIPL-A trial aims to verify the effect of a personalized, discontinuous exercise program on a sedentary lifestyle of T2D older adults. Methods: A total of 305 T2D patients (mean age ± SD: 68.8 ± 3.3 years) were divided into a control arm receiving only behavioral counseling and an intervention arm of an 18-month supervised discontinuous exercise program (ERS). The primary outcomes were the changes in sitting time (ST) and metabolic equivalent (MET) values, both evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. A repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was used to compare study outcomes. Results: The ST and MET differed significantly during the study compared to the control group (p = 0.028 and p = 0.004, respectively). In the intervention group, a decrease from baseline in ST at 6 months (p = 0.01) and an increase in MET values at 6 months (p = 0.01) up to 12 months (p < 0.01) were found. No significant differences were found for the other variables. Conclusions: Beneficial lifestyle changes were found within the first year of intervention. These results align with the theory of change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Activities on People with Diabetes)
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Review

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14 pages, 307 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Literature Review on the Role of Exercise Training in Managing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
by Alessandro Piras and Milena Raffi
Healthcare 2023, 11(22), 2947; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11222947 - 11 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3474
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia associated with impaired carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism, with concomitant absence of insulin secretion or reduced sensitivity to its metabolic effects. Patients with diabetes mellitus have a 30% more risk of developing [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia associated with impaired carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism, with concomitant absence of insulin secretion or reduced sensitivity to its metabolic effects. Patients with diabetes mellitus have a 30% more risk of developing heart failure and cardiovascular disease compared to healthy people. Heart and cardiovascular problems are the first cause of death worldwide and the main complications which lead to high healthcare costs. Such complications can be delayed or avoided by taking prescribed medications in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle (i.e., diet and physical activity). The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association recommend that diabetic people reduce total sedentary time by incorporating physical activity into their weekly routine. This narrative literature review aims to summarize and present the main guidelines, pre-exercise cardiovascular screening recommendations, and considerations for patients with diabetes and comorbidities who are planning to participate in physical activity programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Activities on People with Diabetes)

Other

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15 pages, 1364 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effect of Exercise on Cardiovascular Autonomic Nervous Function in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review
by Hidetaka Hamasaki
Healthcare 2023, 11(19), 2668; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11192668 - 1 Oct 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3463
Abstract
Background: Diabetic neuropathy, including autonomic neuropathy, is a severe complication in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Specifically, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) plays a significant prognostic role in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Exercise, an essential component of diabetes treatment, may have a therapeutic effect [...] Read more.
Background: Diabetic neuropathy, including autonomic neuropathy, is a severe complication in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Specifically, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) plays a significant prognostic role in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Exercise, an essential component of diabetes treatment, may have a therapeutic effect on patients with diabetes complicated by CAN. However, it remains unclear whether exercise has a therapeutic or protective effect in diabetes patients with CAN. Methods: The author conducted a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, resulting in the identification of eight eligible randomized controlled trials for this review. Results: Exercise, including aerobic exercise combined with resistance training (RT), high-intensity interval training, and progressive RT, has shown a beneficial effect on cardiac autonomic function (CAF) in patients with type 2 diabetes, as measured by heart rate variability, heart rate recovery, and baroreflex sensitivity. However, most studies had low quality. Moreover, there were no relevant studies examining the effect of exercise on CAF in older patients, patients with poorly controlled diabetes, and patients with type 1 diabetes. Conclusions: Exercise has the potential to manage patients with CAN by balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system functions; however, further studies are warranted in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Activities on People with Diabetes)
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