Critically Review The Evidence Of The Role Of Physical Activ

Critically review the evidence of the role that physical activity can play

Part A: Critically review the evidence of the role that physical activity can play in the management of type 2 diabetes. Physical therapy is the key to improving a person’s condition who is suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Achieving a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity is fundamental for managing and preventing type 2 diabetes. Poor nutrition and physical inactivity contribute significantly to obesity, which in turn increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Tuomilehto et al., 2001). Evidence indicates that physical activity improves glycemic control, enhances insulin sensitivity, and promotes weight management, thereby reducing the risk and severity of diabetes (Colberg et al., 2016).

Numerous studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of physical activity on diabetes management. For instance, Gregg et al. (2003) showed that walking at least 2 hours per week is associated with reduced mortality rates among adults with type 2 diabetes. The study indicated that active individuals had a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. These insights are supported by the American Diabetes Association (2018), which recommends that adults with type 2 diabetes should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, coupled with resistance training (Dempsey et al., 2016).

Aerobic exercises, such as walking, cycling, and swimming, enhance cardiovascular health, improve lipid profiles, and increase insulin sensitivity (Umpierre et al., 2011). Interval training, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), further enhances skeletal muscle adaptation and insulin responsiveness (Jung et al., 2015). Resistance exercises, such as weightlifting and resistance band activities, are particularly effective in improving glycemic control, reducing fat mass, and increasing lean body mass (Sigal et al., 2017). Flexibility and balance exercises, like yoga or Tai Chi, are valuable especially among elderly patients, as they improve mobility and decrease the risk of falls (Li et al., 2014).

Exercise exerts multiple physiological benefits. It reduces HbA1c levels (Kirk et al., 2017), promotes weight loss, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances mental health by lowering stress hormones (Dixon et al., 2018). Essentially, consistent physical activity modulates the underlying pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin action and glucose uptake (Colberg et al., 2016). The ADA emphasizes the importance of individualized exercise programs, considering patient preferences, comorbidities, and fitness levels, thus facilitating better adherence and outcomes (American Diabetes Association, 2018).

Beyond individual benefits, evidence supports community-wide interventions to promote physical activity. Such strategies include urban planning that encourages walkability, public health campaigns, and school-based programs targeting children at risk (WHO, 2018). These broader initiatives help cultivate a culture of active living, thereby lowering the population’s overall risk burden of type 2 diabetes (Spring et al., 2013).

In conclusion, the extensive body of evidence indicates that physical activity plays a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes by improving glycemic control, reducing cardiovascular risk, and enhancing well-being. When integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan—including diet, medication, and behavioral modifications—physical activity can significantly improve long-term health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with diabetes (Colberg et al., 2016; ADA, 2018).

Part B: Activity levels in my setting and recommendations for improvement

In my country, Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of physical inactivity among adults is alarmingly high, with reports indicating that approximately 58.5% of the adult population are physically inactive (WHO, 2018). The sedentary lifestyle is driven by urbanization, hot climate, cultural factors, and inadequate infrastructure that discourages outdoor activity (Al-Hazzaa, 2018). Studies reveal that only about 16-17% engage in moderate to high levels of physical activity. Consequently, the rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes are rising, necessitating urgent public health intervention (Al-Rowais et al., 2020).

Behavior change theories suggest that effective strategies should address environmental, social, and psychological barriers to physical activity. For instance, many individuals report lack of time, perceived fatigue, safety concerns, or lack of suitable facilities as obstacles (Al-Hazzaa, 2018). Policy initiatives can focus on community-based programs promoting walking groups, establishing accessible indoor gyms, and integrating physical activity into school curricula. Educational campaigns tailored to cultural norms can emphasize the importance of physical activity for diabetes prevention and management.

Healthcare providers should adopt motivational interviewing techniques to enhance patient engagement, set realistic activity goals, and provide personalized advice based on individual preferences and limitations (Gordon et al., 2019). Implementing structured education programs and supervised exercise sessions in primary healthcare settings can improve adherence. Additionally, leveraging technology—such as mobile apps or wearable devices—can motivate individuals and monitor progress (Duncan et al., 2017).

In conclusion, transitioning to an active lifestyle requires coordinated efforts at the policy, community, and individual levels. Tailoring interventions to culturally specific barriers and motivators can significantly increase participation among people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, ultimately reducing disease burden and improving quality of life.

References

• American Diabetes Association. (2018). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018. Diabetes Care, 41(Suppl 1), S13–S27.
• Al-Hazzaa, H. M. (2018). The physical activity, fitness, and health of Saudi children and adolescents. Frontiers in Public Health, 6, 332.
• Al-Rowais, N. A., Sanad, A. A., & Moiz, J. A. (2020). Trends and determinants of physical activity among adults in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Medical Journal, 41(2), 161–170.
• Colberg, S. R., et al. (2016). Physical activity/exercise and diabetes: A position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care, 39(11), 2065–2079.
• Dempsey, P. C., et al. (2016). Exercise and the management of type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 5(3), 21.
• Dixon, J. B., et al. (2018). The effects of physical activity on mental health in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 12(2), 201–205.
• Gordon, J., et al. (2019). Motivational interviewing to improve lifestyle behaviors in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review. Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, 43(2), 155–165.
• Jung, M., et al. (2015). High-intensity interval training improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Sports Medicine, 45(12), 1715–1740.
• Kirk, J. M., et al. (2017). Effects of exercise on HbA1c in type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. Diabetic Medicine, 34(3), 380–389.
• Sigal, R. J., et al. (2017). Physical activity/exercise for type 2 diabetes: A position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care, 40(10), 1364–1382.
• Spring, B., et al. (2013). Multiple behavior change: An integrative review. Obesity Reviews, 14(2), 185–211.
• Tuomilehto, J., et al. (2001). Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. The New England Journal of Medicine, 344(18), 1343–1350.
• Umpierre, D., et al. (2011). Physical activity advice only or structured exercise training and association with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 171(1), 28–36.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030. Geneva: WHO.