Diabetes Exercise and Activity 5

Question 1

A person with Type 2 diabetes and obesity wants to start exercising but has joint pain. Which is the BEST starting recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Start with low-impact activities like water aerobics or cycling

Answer

Low-impact activities like water aerobics or cycling provide cardiovascular and metabolic benefits while minimizing stress on joints, making them ideal starting points for people with obesity and joint pain.

Question 2

What is the purpose of wearing medical identification during exercise for a person with diabetes?

Accepted Answer

To alert bystanders and emergency responders to the person's diabetes if they become incapacitated

Answer

Medical identification ensures that emergency responders know the person has diabetes and may need glucose treatment if they become unconscious or confused during or after exercise.

Question 3

Which lab value should be checked before a person with diabetes starts a vigorous exercise program, to screen for underlying cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

Resting ECG or stress test depending on risk factors

Answer

People with diabetes have elevated cardiovascular risk, so a resting ECG or exercise stress test (based on age and risk factors) is recommended before initiating vigorous exercise programs.

Question 4

A person with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes on a sulfonylurea (like glipizide) starts a new walking routine. Why is hypoglycemia a particular concern?

Accepted Answer

Sulfonylureas stimulate constant insulin secretion regardless of activity level

Answer

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion independent of blood glucose levels, so when exercise additionally lowers blood glucose, the constant insulin stimulus can cause hypoglycemia.

Question 5

What is the role of glucagon in exercise for people with Type 1 diabetes who have exercised to the point of severe hypoglycemia and are unconscious?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon can be injected to trigger the liver to release stored glucose

Answer

Emergency glucagon injection (or nasal glucagon) signals the liver to release stored glycogen as glucose, raising blood sugar in a person too impaired to swallow oral carbohydrates.

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Exercise and Activity 5