Abstract
Exercise is a fundamental intervention for any patient with diabetes or at risk for it. Exercise not only contributes to the control of blood glucose but also reduces the risk of metabolic abnormalities and diabetes-related complications and comorbidities. Despite the growing prevalence of diabetes in the world, most people are not as physically active as guidelines and evidence recommend.
In this chapter, we focus on the topic of exercise and quality of life, briefly addressing quality of life assessment in patients with diabetes. In addition, given the strong association of depression with diabetes and its impact on quality of life, we also cover the potential benefits of exercise interventions in the setting of diabetes and depression.
While most studies show evidence of short- and long-term exercise interventions, there are still several areas that require further research. Moreover, the impact from exercise in older adults requires additional attention, given the aging of the population and because older people may have long-standing disease, with greater prevalence of its complications, as well as greater prevalence of multimorbidity, which will also impact their quality of life.