Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, enhances weight loss, lowers blood pressure and improves A1C in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular fitness and reduces serum lipids and blood pressure in individuals with type 1 diabetes; adjustments in carbohydrate intake and/or insulin are necessary to avoid hypoglycemia during exercise. Studies that show a benefit of physical activity report intensities of 50% to 80% VO2max, 3 to 4 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes per session. Randomized control trials examining long-term glycemic control through exercise in individuals with diabetes are lacking. (2001)

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.