Exercise Prescription Flashcards

A patient on a sulfonylurea begins a new walking program. What is the most important counseling point regarding hypoglycemia risk?

Answer: Monitor blood glucose before, during, and after exercise and carry fast-acting carbohydrates

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion regardless of glucose level, increasing hypoglycemia risk during exercise; glucose monitoring and carbohydrate availability are essential.

What is the recommended pre-exercise blood glucose target range for most people with diabetes before beginning moderate exercise?

Answer: 90-250 mg/dL

A pre-exercise blood glucose of 90-250 mg/dL is generally considered safe to begin moderate exercise for most people with diabetes.

Which exercise modality has been shown to attenuate post-exercise nocturnal hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes?

Answer: Brief high-intensity interval exercise or resistance exercise

Brief high-intensity intervals or resistance exercise can stimulate glucose-raising counterregulatory hormones that help stabilize blood glucose overnight.

A patient with peripheral neuropathy wants to exercise. Which activity is most appropriate?

Answer: Swimming or water aerobics

Swimming and water aerobics are low-impact and reduce pressure on insensate feet, minimizing injury risk in peripheral neuropathy.

What is the primary metabolic benefit of breaking up prolonged sitting with short bouts of light activity every 30 minutes for people with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: It reduces postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels

Interrupting prolonged sitting with brief light-intensity walking significantly reduces postprandial glucose and insulin excursions in type 2 diabetes.

Which heart rate formula is most commonly used to calculate target heart rate zones for exercise prescription?

Answer: 220 minus age (Karvonen adjustments optional)

The formula 220 minus age estimates maximum heart rate, which is then used with the Karvonen method to calculate target training zones.

A patient with autonomic neuropathy begins an exercise program. What modification is most critical?

Answer: Extend warm-up and cool-down periods and monitor for orthostatic hypotension

Autonomic neuropathy impairs cardiovascular responses; longer warm-ups and cool-downs and postural blood pressure monitoring reduce risk of orthostatic hypotension and silent ischemia.