Physical activity is at the cornerstone of the lifestyle management of type 2 diabetes (T2D).¹ Regular physical activity is associated with substantially lower cardiovascular and overall mortality risk.^2, 3 Getting started and sustaining a physically active lifestyle is challenging, particularly for those with established T2D.⁴ Data from England show that in the general population 37% of adults are not meeting current guidelines.⁵ For those with long-term conditions⁵ and established T2D physical activity is lower.^6, 7 The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the ongoing physical inactivity pandemic that should not be ignored.⁸ There is evidence of an unprecedented drop in physical activity during lockdown in the general population⁹ and those with T2D.¹⁰ We believe that physical activity will be focused on more than ever due to links between obesity and COVID-19,¹¹ motivated by the UK Prime Minister’s ‘war against fat’¹² and will predominantly be looking to solve the negative fall outs from COVID-19.

This paper aims to present accessible information for health care professionals (HCPs) on concepts related to physical activity including the physiological benefits, safety considerations and practical options for supporting those wishing to bring regular physical activity into their lives.

source:https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pdi.2361