The impact of physical activity in glycaemic control of type 2 diabetic adults amongst the Maltese population

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is one of the major causes of disability and death in Malta due to the complications accompanying this disease. For the well-being of the patient, and from a public health perspective, the development of effective intervention strategies is essential in order to reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its resulting complications. For the patient, and for society at large, early intervention programmes are beneficial especially from a cost benefit perspective. Physical activity has been considered by many international studies as having major influence on delaying the complications of diabetes due to its impact on the metabolic system. Exercise training also improves many other physiological and metabolic abnormalities that are associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus such as lowering body fat, reducing blood pressure and normalising dyslipidaemia. In Malta however, research about the subject had not been carried out prior to this study. The findings of the present study may be used to help plan a more effective health promotion and education campaign with a view of reducing complications caused by Type 2 diabetes. Since physical activity has been shown in prospective studies to protect against the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, physical training programmes suitable for individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes should be incorporated into the medical care system to a greater extent to help improve glycaemic control in people. Thirty-four persons with type 2 diabetes took part in a seven-month exercise programme. Data collection from the Intervention Group was a continuous process throughout the exercise programme and a questionnaire was also administered at the end of the exercise sessions. The findings from this study support those of international studies: that exercise improves glycaemic control, reduces weight and lowers lipid levels. Increased attendance for exercise was reflected in increased reduction of HbA 1 c, which is an indicator for improved glycaemic control. Recommendations for further studies will be suggested to investigate the effectiveness of dietary restriction and exercise.