According to the Pan American Health Organization, education is a fundamental part of the treatment of diabetes.
Lic. Federico Peralta*
MN: 12024, MP: 1405
According to the Pan American Health Organization in Latin America there are approximately 15 million people with diabetes mellitus and this figure will reach 20 million in 10 years, value higher than expected by the population increase.The factors that apparently influence this increase are the breed, the change of life habits and the aging of the population.
A fact that is interesting to take into account is the prevalence of this pathology in the different areas.It has been reported that the percentage of people with diabetes in urban areas ranges between 7 and 8%, while in rural areas this percentage is only 1 or 2%.
Diabetes mellitus, like many other diseases, is usually diagnosed late.It is very common that when a person reaches their diagnosis, certain complications that are called late are already in process.From the moment of diagnosis, visual alterations are presented in 20% of people, the renal exceed this percentage by some points (23%) and the ones that are most presented, between 25 and 40% are neuropathies.
This last case is what the "diabetic foot" will generate.It is an alteration in the circulation of the feet that leads to sensitivity disorders, great infectious potential and in its most extreme cases it can lead to the amputation of the part of the extremities.
The literature on the benefits of physical exercise in the general population and in different groups with pathology is inexhaustible.Benefits have been described from the decrease in blood pressure, to the prevention of different types of cancer through physical exercise.
It is important to know what characteristics the physical exercise should have to generate the benefits that literature has reported.Since depending on the type of exercise will be the adaptations that our body will have to make and consequently the benefits for those who perform it.
What is the role of education in the treatment of diabetes?
Like all chronic disease (that is, it has no cure, if treatment) that the person knows of their illness is essential, since it will generally detect any possible alteration and can more effectively control their treatment.
WHO based on many scientific studies, has put the person's education with diabetes as one of the undisputed standards of treatment.
The health team that is in charge of the treatment of the person with diabetes must educate to prevent the short and long term complications of this pathology.
What is the role of physical exercise in the treatment of diabetes?
There are no number of studies on the properties of physical exercise in people with diabetes.It has proven effective to control blood glucose levels, regulate blood pressure (commonly called blood pressure) and generate healthy lifestyle habits.Being the latter fundamental pillar to limit the progress of the disease.
Physical exercise is considered to all planned, structured and repetitive activity.This definition is very important since it is telling us that "going to work walking" is not considered physical exercise.If it meets a fundamental role in relation to healthy habits, but we cannot pretend the aforementioned benefits with an activity that is not planned, structured and has a certain frequency.
The recommendations of the Pan American Health Organization regarding physical exercise are the following: in the short term the objective of physical exercise mustbe changing the sedentary habit, by daily walks to the rhythm of the person.In the medium term, the minimum frequency of exercise must be three times per week in alternate days, with a minimum duration of 30 minutes each time.Finally, in the long term, an increase in frequency and intensity should be sought.On the other hand, emphasis should be placed on the review of the feet before each physical activity and after it.As stated before, the alteration of the sensitivity of the feet generates a probable scenario of injury.
It is important to note that, with the exception of the first stage, it is essential that the training be supervised and programmed by a health professional trained in the area.
*Degree in Kinesiology and Physiatry UBA oriented to neurological rehabilitation and vestibular and balance disorders;UBA Teacher, researcher and head of Círic Training Permanent.