Updated June 25, 2002

Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Physical Activity
What's the Connection?

by Richard M. Weil, M.Ed., C.D.E.

If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, talk with your doctor before becoming more physically active.

If you answered no to all the questions, you can be reasonably sure that you can start becoming more physically active right now. However, if your health changes at some point so that your answer changes to yes to any of the questions, ask for advice from your fitness or health professional. If you answered no to all the questions but currently are not feeling well because of a temporary illness such as a cold or a fever, delay becoming more active until you feel better.

When you increase your level of activity, be sure to start slowly and progress gradually; this is the safest and easiest way to go. If you need assistance with adjusting your insulin or snacks for activity, your doctor or diabetes educator will be able to help you.

A word about weight

There is a great deal of emphasis on weight in our society. Some of it is justified because of the serious health consequences associated with excess weight, but some of the emphasis has more to do with cosmetic appeal and simply being thinner. Weight loss is difficult, and there's no guarantee that you will get down to an "ideal" weight or size, no matter how hard you try. The good news is that you can still be healthy even if you are overweight, and this is especially so if you are physically active and fit.

The benefits of physical activity and the risks of inactivity are indisputable. Obesity and diabetes have become a deadly combination, but there is hope. Thirty minutes of moderate physical activity, even in bouts of 10 minutes accumulated throughout your day, even without weight loss, can help you manage your health. It's never too late to start, and there's too much at stake not to give it a try. Good luck.

Richard Weil is an exercise physiologist and a consultant to the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City.

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