A Guide to Physical Activity for Individuals With Diabetes

Recommending regular physical activity is an important strategy that nurse practitioners use in the management of diabetes. This article provides a guide to physical activity recommendations for individuals with diabetes, including developing a physical activity prescription. Specific considerations for physical activity in individuals with diabetes are provided for target organ disease, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Implications for physical activity are reviewed for both oral and injectable diabetes pharmacologic agents. The relationship between hypoglycemia and physical activity is examined. This article provides tools and information to facilitate the promotion of physical activity plans for individuals with diabetes.