Study of the Relationship between Exercise Therapy and Diet Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the relationship between exercise therapy and diet therapy in Type 2 diabetes mellitus management, and to analyze trends in the effects of exercise and diet therapies in order to identify the optimal approach to treatment. [Methods] This study included 101 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted to Hachinohe City Hospital to receive diabetic education and individual exercise counseling. All had been discharged at least 1 year prior to this study. All agreed to participate in this study. We conducted telephone interviews regarding the continuation of exercise therapy and diet therapy after discharge. [Results] One-year post-discharge results were as follows. The exercise continuation rate was 88% and the relationship between continuation of exercise and HbA1c changes was significant, as was the relationship between exercise therapy and diet therapy. [Conclusions] Our results suggest that diabetic patients with unstable treatment courses are unlikely to continue exercise and diet therapies. Therefore, diabetes education should be performed as a collaborative effort between physical therapists and nurses in charge of exercise therapy and registered dietitians in charge of diet therapy. An education system to promote continuation of these therapies after discharge from the hospital should be established.