Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

According to current recommendations, what should be done to increase physical activity levels in individuals with diabetes?

1. Perform resistance training at least 150 minutes per week.

2. Limit sedentary time by breaking up extended amounts of time (> 90 minutes) spent sitting.

3. Perform weight training once/week with 15-20 repetitions per muscle group.

4. Perform 150 minutes per week of vigorous physical activity.

The correct answer is: Limit sedentary time by breaking up extended amounts of time (> 90 minutes) spent sitting.

Increasing physical activity levels in individuals with diabetes is crucial for improving overall health, managing blood glucose levels, and reducing the risk of complications. The correct choice highlights the importance of breaking up periods of sedentary behavior, especially those lasting more than 90 minutes, to promote movement and enhance metabolic health. Extended periods of sitting can contribute to insulin resistance, greater cardiovascular risk, and negatively impact overall metabolic rates. By encouraging individuals to limit sedentary time and engage in short bouts of activity, such as standing or walking, health professionals can help improve glucose levels, support weight management, and enhance general well-being. While resistance training, weight training, and vigorous activity also hold significant benefits for individuals with diabetes, the emphasis on decreasing sedentary time directly targets a prevalent lifestyle issue, making it an essential strategy for boosting physical activity levels and promoting better health outcomes in this population.