Exercise and Activity Flashcards

A patient with peripheral neuropathy wants to begin a resistance training program. Which precaution is MOST important?

Answer: Inspect feet carefully before and after each session and wear proper footwear

Peripheral neuropathy impairs protective sensation, so meticulous foot inspection and appropriate footwear are essential to prevent undetected injury during exercise.

What is the primary mechanism by which acute aerobic exercise lowers blood glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Insulin-independent glucose uptake via GLUT-4 translocation in contracting muscle

Muscle contraction stimulates GLUT-4 translocation to the cell surface independently of insulin, allowing glucose uptake without requiring additional insulin secretion.

A patient reports nocturnal hypoglycemia consistently 6–8 hours after afternoon resistance training. Which strategy is MOST evidence-based for prevention?

Answer: Reduce basal insulin by 10–20% the night following intense exercise

Resistance exercise increases insulin sensitivity for up to 24 hours post-exercise; reducing overnight basal insulin helps prevent delayed hypoglycemia.

Which type of exercise has been shown to be MOST effective at improving insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle over the long term?

Answer: A combination of aerobic and resistance training

Combined aerobic and resistance training produces greater improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic control than either modality alone.

A 55-year-old with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and microalbuminuria wants to start vigorous exercise. Which pre-exercise evaluation is MOST important per ADA guidelines?

Answer: Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms; stress testing if symptomatic

ADA guidelines recommend evaluating cardiovascular symptoms and risk factors rather than routine stress testing; testing is indicated when symptoms suggest coronary artery disease.

Which exercise intensity classification corresponds to 40–59% of heart rate reserve (HRR) according to exercise physiology guidelines?

Answer: Moderate intensity

Moderate-intensity exercise is defined as 40–59% of heart rate reserve, corresponding to noticeable increases in breathing and heart rate.

During underwater diving, a person with type 1 diabetes should ensure pre-dive blood glucose is at least what level to reduce hypoglycemia risk?

Answer: 150 mg/dL

Expert recommendations suggest a pre-dive glucose of at least 150 mg/dL to provide a safety margin against hypoglycemia, which is extremely dangerous underwater.