Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and neuropathy. Physical exercise has emerged as a cornerstone in both the prevention and management of diabetes, offering significant benefits for glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and overall health outcomes.
Regular exercise not only improves glucose uptake by skeletal muscles and decreases insulin resistance, but also contributes to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, reduces the risk of complications, and enhances quality of life in individuals living with diabetes. Moreover, structured exercise programs, when combined with pharmacological therapies and dietary strategies, can provide synergistic benefits for disease management.
Despite these advances, several areas remain underexplored. The optimal type, intensity, and duration of exercise for individuals with diabetes are not yet fully established. Similarly, the influence of novel approaches such as blood flow restriction training, isoinertial strength training, or digital health tools to support physical activity warrants further study. Understanding barriers and facilitators to physical activity across diverse populations and demographics also remains critical to improving adherence and reducing inequalities in diabetes care.
The aim of this Research Topic is to explore the multifaceted relationship between physical exercise and diabetes, with particular emphasis on clinical applicability and health outcomes. Areas of interest include but not limited to:
• Mechanistic insights into the effects of physical exercise on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and systemic complications.
• Comparative studies of exercise modalities, intensities, and durations for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Integration of structured exercise with pharmacological treatments and other management strategies.
• Preventive potential of physical activity in reducing type 2 diabetes incidence and progression.
• Exercise-related impacts on cardiovascular, renal, musculoskeletal, and neurological complications of diabetes.
• Barriers and facilitators to exercise participation in diverse populations, including the role of changing demographics.
• Emerging technologies and digital interventions to promote physical activity in diabetes management.
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