Excessive weight gain and obesity are currently considered as global health issues because these increase the risk in developing chronic medical disorders.  These two major health issues may also impact the economy of a country, especially when an increase in morbidity requires additional diagnostics and treatment of patients who have developed weight-related conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.  Studies have shown that obesity is strongly linked to diabetes, which is characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood.  Obesity has also been strongly associated with hypertension, asthma, and arthritis.  The role of excessive weight gain and obesity in the development of diabetes has been established early on and thus physicians and health-focused groups have strongly campaigned for healthy lifestyle interventions, such as those that make use of nutritious diets and exercise.

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According to a recent medical report published in the journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, the quality of life of individuals positively diagnosed with diabetes may suffer when intervention schemes such as exercise and proper diets are not included in their daily activities.  Exercise is considered as a fundamental activity that may prevent the development of diabetes.  More importantly, diabetic individuals who are being treated with pharmacological formulations are encouraged to engage in regular exercise and consume nutritious, high-fiber diets.  The report described that the use of physical exercise and low-sugar diets often result in positive outcomes that may promote good health among diabetics.  Not only would these activities result in good health in diabetics, but the risk of death may also be decreased.

The report presented research findings that involved the participation of approximately 370 patients that were positively diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  These subjects were asked, with consent, to complete a health survey that contained questions regarding exercise, diets, and quality of life.  In addition, the study participants were invited to undergo a 2-km walking exercise to determine their physical endurance.  The study participants were also weighed in order to determine their body mass index. (BMI).

Quality of Life …and Obesity

The results of the study showed a negative correlation between the quality of life and BMI of the diabetic study participants.  In detail, the study showed that the quality of life of obese (i.e., BMI > 35) diabetics was lower than the diabetics that were classified as overweight (i.e., BMI = 25–29.99).  Furthermore, the quality of life of the diabetic study participants was lower as the frequency of physical exercise decreased.  The study also showed that the capacity of the subjects to physically function decreased when they did not engage in regular exercise.  The mental composite summaries and psychological well being of the study participants were also shown to be lower when physical activity was not part of the subjects’ daily routine.

The Results and What it Means for Diabetics and Exercise

The results presented in the medical report established the relationship between physical activity and weight-related chronic diseases such as diabetes.  Diabetes may also increase the risk of development of other chronic illnesses, especially when one does not consider engaging in lifestyle interventions such as eating nutritious, high-fiber, low-sugar diets and physical exercise.  Engaging in these lifestyle interventions using physical activities and healthy diets may decrease not only the morbidity associated with diabetes, but more importantly, lower the chances of mortality.  At an economic point of view, lifestyle interventions among diabetics may also decrease the cost for healthcare services.  Performing various types of physical activities, coupled with the consumption of healthy diets, may decrease the likelihood of developing additional chronic diseases and increase the chances of good health.  These activities may reduce further weight gain and effectively stabilize an individual’s weight level.  Physical activity may also catalyze specific physiologic activities that may reduce the risk for cardiometabolic diseases and promote good health.