Designing an Exercise Prescription

An effective exercise plan for people with diabetes should include the type of activity, the duration, its intensity, frequency and timing, any medication adjustments, and a progression plan.

 

Mode/Type Duration Intensity Frequency	Progression Timing Adjustments

 

When specifying the “mode” or “type” activity, attention should be given to both exercise and daily work/leisure activities.

 

Ideally, exercise activities should use large muscle groups such as those in the legs and torso, in a continuous fashion at a challenging pace over an extended period of time. 

 

Daily work/leisure activities are typically shorter in duration, less intense, and are of a stop-and-go nature.  Examples include housework, shopping, yard work, home improvement projects, and active hobbies.

 

Quality Exercise Uses large muscle groups Rhythmic or continuous Extended period of time At least somewhat challenging

Work/Leisure Activity Tends to "stop and go" Intensity may be very low or very high May not be very challenging

 

Exercise Rx "Line Item":

Mode

Again, preferred modes of exercise use large muscle groups, particularly those in the legs and torso, to maximize caloric expenditure.  Continuous movement is better than stop-and-go activities for lowering blood glucose and providing cardiovascular conditioning.  And low-impact activities -- those that do not involve hitting anything with a great deal of acute force -- are best for avoiding injuries.

 

Large muscle groups Continuous or rhythmic Preferably low-impact
Examples: üBrisk Walking üCycling üSwimming üRowing üStair Climbing/EFX üAerobics Classes üCourt Sports üStrength Training