Published online Jun 25, 2016. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v7.i12.243
Peer-review started: January 27, 2016
First decision: March 23, 2016
Revised: April 5, 2016
Accepted: May 7, 2016
Article in press: May 9, 2016
Published online: June 25, 2016
Processing time: 141 Days and 15.3 Hours
Physical activity improves glycemic control and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moderate to vigorous physical activity is recommended to manage T2D; however, patients with T2D can be physically weak, making it difficult to engage in the recommended levels of physical activity. Daily physical activity includes various activities performed during both occupational and leisure time such as walking, gardening, and housework that type 2 diabetic patients should be able to perform without considerable physical burden. This review focuses on the association between daily physical activity and T2D. Walking was the most common form of daily physical activity, with numerous studies demonstrating its beneficial effects on reducing the risk of T2D, CVD, and mortality. Walking for at least 30 min per day was shown to reduce the risk of T2D by approximately 50%. Additionally, walking was associated with a reduction in mortality. In contrast, evidence was extremely limited regarding other daily physical activities such as gardening and housework in patients with T2D. Recent studies have suggested daily physical activity, including non-exercise activity thermogenesis, to be favorably associated with metabolic risks and mortality. However, well-designed longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate its effects on overall health.
Core tip: In addition to moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise, daily physical activity is also important for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Of note, individuals can engage in daily physical activity without remarkable physical burden, anywhere and at any time. It is well known that exercise improves the outcomes of metabolic diseases and reduces cardiovascular disease risk and mortality. However, the literature pertaining to the effects of specific types of daily physical activity on health is sparse. It is necessary to accumulate evidence on the positive effects of daily physical activity on the management of T2D.