ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov 15, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Following an appropriate exercise program and doing it safely can be key to preventing type 2 diabetes for the 10 million Americans at high risk for the disease, says the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in recognition of National Diabetes Month.

A landmark study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that those at risk for type 2 diabetes could reduce the likelihood of developing the disease by 58 percent through 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise and by weight reduction, eating a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. The NIH study demonstrated that lifestyle interventions can actually prevent the disease.

APTA member Terry Michel, PT, MS, CCS, who contributed to the study, said that physical therapists can play a vital role in helping people develop safe exercise programs. "Overweight or obese individuals must follow an appropriate exercise program that includes aerobic conditioning and avoidance of exercises that can lead to injury," said Michel. Safe and appropriate exercises may include swimming, stationary cycling, and walking.

Michel says that physical therapists can design a low-impact form of weight training by using low-weight, high-repetition exercise bands. This type of exercise helps to avoid joint stress and prevent stress fractures while providing stimulus for bone growth and osteoporosis prevention. "Modified yoga stretches and Tai Chi are also good exercises for promoting flexibility and relaxation. Subjects enjoyed doing these exercises in groups," she said.

"Overweight or obese individuals are at high risk for physical injury from an improper exercise regime," said Michael Mueller, PT, PhD, associate professor at Washington University School of Medicine and an APTA member. "Range of motion, mobility, and flexibility are often greatly reduced in people who are overweight or obese, thereby increasing their chances for serious injury."

"As with all exercise programs designed to prevent illness, it's important that at-risk individuals work with professionals who can help design a safe and thorough regimen that meets individual needs and circumstances," Mueller said.

Risk factors for diabetes include a family history of the disease, being overweight, a prior history of gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy), physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes. In the study of diabetes prevention, all ethnic groups experienced an equal benefit from lifestyle intervention.

It is also important to recognize that overweight or obese individuals may have experienced past failures with exercise. "The guidance of a caring physical therapist who understands the difficulties that individuals may be encountering, monitors their progress closely, and encourages them to persevere can often spell the difference between success and failure," Mueller explained.

If you or someone you know is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, consult your physical therapist for a safe, appropriate exercise plan to help reduce that risk.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national professional organization representing more than 65,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.

From Prnewswire.com