The Roles of Physical Activity in Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Implications for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Physical activity involves to all forms of bodily movement that increases energy expenditure higher than the resting state. So, exercise is a subtype of physical activity. Physical activity improves cardiovascular risk profile, assists in weight loss and enhances general well-being. Studies have
found out that regular physical activity may prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. WHO categorizes physical activities into work-related, leisure-related and transport-related physical activities.9
Despite the fact that the prevalence of diabetes is rising rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa, the level of physical activities among adults is decreasing and this may portend a great danger in terms of the burden of diabetes and is complications in the region.
The WHO has recommended moderate intensity physical activity of at least 150-minutes per week for adults but the degree of compliance with the recommendation varies widely in sub-Saharan Africa, with some areas observing compliance rate as low as 46% while in others, especially in the agrarian rural areas, the rate of compliance is as high as 95%.
Primary prevention seeks to address risk factors to a diseases and halt the onset of the disease. The aim is risk reduction either from avoiding the risk or cushioning the effect of the risk. Primary prevention of diabetes will include activities such as reducing caloric intake, weight loss, ensuring physical activity and stopping smoking. Prevention of prediabetes from becoming diabetes is also considered as a form of primary prevention.
Sport Exerc Med Open J. 2020; 6(1): 21-26. doi: 10.17140/SEMOJ-6-178
