Diabetes and Physical Activity

Book excerpt: Presenting current knowledge regarding the relationship between exercise and diabetes, this publication discusses in detail the physiologic, molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in this interaction. Further, the book presents valuable information on the role of exercise in the treatment and management of diabetes through the life course, including gestational diabetes, diabetes in children, and in the elderly. Notably, the role of diet in modulating the relationship between exercise and diabetes is explored, and for the first time, the importance of sedentary behavior, rather than exercise, is highlighted. The current public health guidelines for type 2 diabetes are presented, as well as practical recommendations for the management of type 1 diabetes. Finally, in each chapter areas of further investigations are emphasized. The book provides a valuable and up-to-date overview and is highly recommended to researchers, students, clinicians, including physicians, dieticians, biokineticists, physiotherapists, nurses and diabetes educators.