Exercise and Physical Activity Flashcards

What is the recommended minimum amount of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week for adults with type 2 diabetes according to the ADA?

Answer: 150 minutes

The ADA recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity spread over at least 3 days.

A person with type 1 diabetes wants to start a vigorous exercise program. Which pre-exercise blood glucose range is generally considered safe to begin exercise?

Answer: 70–250 mg/dL

A pre-exercise glucose of 70–250 mg/dL is generally considered safe; below 70 indicates hypoglycemia and above 250 with ketones warrants caution.

Which type of exercise is most associated with causing delayed hypoglycemia (occurring hours after exercise) in people with type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Prolonged moderate-intensity aerobic exercise

Prolonged moderate-intensity aerobic exercise depletes glycogen stores, leading to increased glucose uptake during recovery and delayed hypoglycemia.

What is the primary mechanism by which aerobic exercise acutely lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Insulin-independent glucose uptake by contracting muscles

Contracting muscles take up glucose via GLUT4 translocation independent of insulin, directly lowering blood glucose during aerobic exercise.

A patient with diabetes has peripheral neuropathy. Which exercise precaution is most important to emphasize?

Answer: Perform daily foot inspection before and after exercise

Peripheral neuropathy reduces foot sensation, making daily foot inspection critical to detect blisters, ulcers, or injuries that may go unnoticed.

Resistance training is recommended for people with diabetes primarily because it:

Answer: Increases muscle mass and improves insulin sensitivity

Resistance training builds skeletal muscle mass, which is the primary site of insulin-mediated glucose disposal, thereby improving insulin sensitivity.

When should a person with diabetes experiencing blood glucose of 65 mg/dL be advised to consume a carbohydrate snack before initiating exercise?

Answer: Before any planned exercise session regardless of duration

A blood glucose of 65 mg/dL is below the safe exercise threshold of 70 mg/dL and warrants carbohydrate intake before beginning any exercise.