Factors influencing the prescription of physical activity in the therapeutic management of patients with type 2 diabetes

Physical activity probably plays a major role in the age-related susceptibility to develop type 2 diabetes. The question of defining a minimum requirement and a maximum physical activity load, necessary to the maintenance of an optimal metabolic status in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, must be raised in light of multiple factors. Among these factors and regardless of the disease itself, physical inactivity, age and/or obesity can affect the body composition and the metabolic response to exercise, and therefore the adaptive effects expected. The characterization of profiles of responses to exercise considering these factors would be desirable in order to identify, schedule and prescribe a physical activity load adapted to each individual. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.