What are the exercise recommendations for Type 2 diabetes?

What are the exercise recommendations for Type 2 diabetes?

• A. Frequency: most days; Type: mixed modalities; Intensity: moderate to vigorous; Time: ≥150 minutes per week.
• B. Frequency: once a week; Type: running only; Intensity: light; Time: 15 minutes.
• C. Frequency: every other day; Type: flexibility; Intensity: moderate; Time: 20 minutes.
• D. Frequency: Twice weekly; Type: swimming only; Intensity: vigorous; Time: 60 minutes.

Answer: (A)

For Type 2 diabetes, exercise guidelines emphasize accumulating a meaningful weekly volume with a mix of activities to improve glucose control and overall health. The best choice aligns with the standard goal of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, spread across most days, and it includes a mix of modalities that also incorporate resistance training. This combination—frequent sessions, diverse exercise types, and a total of 150 minutes or more—provides the strongest, evidence-based benefits for glycemic control and cardiovascular health. Think of it as doing things like brisk walking or cycling for most days of the week, with additional days for resistance training (such as weight lifting or bodyweight exercises) to build and maintain muscle. The intensity should be moderate to vigorous enough to challenge you, and the total weekly time should meet or exceed 150 minutes. The other options miss key parts of the guidance: they either offer too little total weekly time, focus on a single mode of exercise, or lack frequent, varied activity.

For Type 2 diabetes, exercise guidelines emphasize accumulating a meaningful weekly volume with a mix of activities to improve glucose control and overall health. The best choice aligns with the standard goal of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, spread across most days, and it includes a mix of modalities that also incorporate resistance training. This combination—frequent sessions, diverse exercise types, and a total of 150 minutes or more—provides the strongest, evidence-based benefits for glycemic control and cardiovascular health.

Think of it as doing things like brisk walking or cycling for most days of the week, with additional days for resistance training (such as weight lifting or bodyweight exercises) to build and maintain muscle. The intensity should be moderate to vigorous enough to challenge you, and the total weekly time should meet or exceed 150 minutes.

The other options miss key parts of the guidance: they either offer too little total weekly time, focus on a single mode of exercise, or lack frequent, varied activity.