The Practice of Physical Activity in a Person with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus presents a high and growing prevalence in Portugal and the world. In 2019 the highest prevalence of this disease was observed in the elderly and it is expected that in the coming years this trend will continue. In Portugal, in the year 2018 it caused 4292 deaths, about 3.8% of all deaths at national level. A large number of Diabetic people are unaware of their diagnosis. Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is the most common type and represents 90% of the diabetes cases worldwide. This type is more prevalent in the elderly, however, more and more children and young adults appear with this disease, due to an inadequate diet and increased physical inactivity. Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, controlling glycemia and other comorbidity factors. Objective: Identify the health gains resulting from nursing care interventions focused on physical activity practice of the person with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: Research conducted in MEDLINE Complete and CINAHL Complete databases through the EBSCOhost platform, in order to identify articles published with available references and publication date between January 2015 and March 2020. Results: After implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria seven studies were selected. The results show gains in welfare and self-care, in prevention of complications, in health promotion and in functional rehabilitation. Conclusion: Nursing care in the practice of physical activity, whether performing aerobic, endurance or even combined exercises, benefits the person with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 in improving their quality of life.