The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Exercise in Diabetes Management (PMR)

Structured aerobic and resistance exercise to improve glycaemic control and cardiovascular outcome.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Exercise in Diabetes Management (PMR)?

Exercise is a foundational component of diabetes management that improves insulin sensitivity, lowers HbA1c by 0.5-0.7%, reduces visceral fat, attenuates dyslipidaemia and lowers cardiovascular mortality independent of weight loss.

ADA and EASD guidelines recommend ≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (or 75 min/week vigorous), distributed over at least 3 days with no more than 2 consecutive days off, plus 2-3 sessions/week of resistance training and reduction of sedentary time with breaks every 30 minutes.

Programmes are individualised by diabetes type, complications (autonomic neuropathy, retinopathy, peripheral arterial disease, foot ulceration), CGM-guided fuelling and hypoglycaemia prevention; supervised exercise improves outcomes more than unsupervised programmes.

Symptoms

Established type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Suboptimal HbA1c despite medical therapy
Central obesity and sarcopenia
Cardiovascular deconditioning
Peripheral neuropathy and balance impairment
Foot ulcer or callus
Reduced quality of life

Risk Factors

Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Peripheral or autonomic neuropathy
Diabetic retinopathy (proliferative)
Coronary or peripheral arterial disease
Hypoglycaemia unawareness

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Suboptimal glycaemic control
  • New peripheral neuropathy or foot ulcer
  • Falls or balance impairment
  • Chest pain on exertion

Treatment Methods

01
Initial cardiovascular and complication assessment
02
Aerobic prescription ≥150 min/week moderate intensity
03
Resistance training 2-3 days/week
04
Reduction of sedentary time with 30-min breaks
05
CGM-guided fuelling and hypoglycaemia prevention
06
Foot care and appropriate footwear
07
Periodic reassessment and progression

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Physical therapy for low back pain reduces pain and supports long-term recovery using a comprehensive approach that combines electrotherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education.

Rehabilitation for Neck Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Rehabilitation for neck pain is a multidimensional program including cervical mobilization, strengthening exercises and posture education that reduces pain and prevents recurrence.

Knee Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Knee rehabilitation is a structured exercise and physiotherapy programme used after arthroscopy, replacement or ligament surgery, or in conservative management, to restore full knee function.

Shoulder Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Shoulder rehabilitation is the staged exercise and manual-therapy programme that restores motion and strength after rotator cuff repair, frozen shoulder, shoulder arthroplasty or subacromial impingement.

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Post-stroke rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process aimed at regaining motor function, speech, swallowing and daily living activities to the highest possible level in patients who have had a stroke.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is a long-term process targeting the highest possible functional level for patients with paralysis, sensory loss, and autonomic dysfunction caused by spinal cord damage.

Fibromyalgia

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Fibromyalgia is a central sensitization syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction. Multimodal management with aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and targeted pharmacotherapy improves function and quality of life.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common regional pain disorder characterized by hyperirritable spots in taut skeletal muscle bands (trigger points) producing referred pain patterns. Treatment targets trigger point inactivation and restoration of normal muscle length and function.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.