L’activité physique comme moyen de traitement du diabète de type 2 : le rationnel

Does Opuntia ficus-indica Juice Supplementation Improve Biochemical and Cardiovascular Response to a 6-Minute Walk Test in Type 2 Diabetic Patients?

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Opuntia ficus-indica juice (OFIJ) on performance and biochemical and physiological responses to a 6 min walking test (6MWT) in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty diabetic patients performed a 6MWT at 07:00 h. During each test session, they were asked to drink 70 mL/day of natural OFIJ or placebo (PLA) for 4 days. Results: the results showed that cardiovascular parameters increased significantly after the 6MWT under both conditions. While, cortisol, HbA1c, cholesterol total (CT), triglycerides (TG), as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were not modified between without and with supplementation. Likewise, no significant variation in performance was observed for PLA and OFIJ (p > 0.05). The cardiovascular parameters (heart rate max (HRmax), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP)), lipid profile (CT, TG, LDL, and high-density lipoprotein HDL), hormonal parameters (insulin and glucagon), HbA1c and lactate ([La]) did not present any significant modification either between PLA or OFIJ (p > 0.05). Muscle-damage markers (creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], cortisol, and liver parameters (i.e., oxidative stress marker, γGT, and total bilirubin) as well as glucose (GLC) were affected by supplementation (p < 0.05) before and after the 6MWT, but this change was significant only for OFIJ (p < 0.05). Conclusion: OFIJ had an antioxidant capacity, improved performance of the 6MWT, and reduced muscle-damage markers and glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients.

[Physical activity as a therapeutic tool in type 2 diabetes: practical aspects]

Physical activity is an integral part of the therapeutic management of type 2 diabetic patients. Its beneficial effects on patients' metabolic control and quality of life are well recognized. The clinical intervention is based on two complementary approaches: to promote physical activity and/or to decrease sedentary behavior, with the aim of long term maintainance. Careful examination of the patient, and assessment of his/her physical capacity and potential risks associated with activity represent the first steps. Assessment of the patient's motivation and stage of change regarding physical activity appears to be a key element for the success of the physical activity project. Main objectives should be clearly defined, as well as the means to reach them (changes in every day-life activities, progressive structured physical exercise), and should be reevaluated and adapted on a regular basis, together with the patient, and whenever possible, with his/her familial/social environment.