Older adults with type 2 diabetes can benefit from just three months of physical activity by improving the elasticity in their arteries, reducing risk of heart disease and stroke. There was an impressive drop in arterial stiffness after just three months of exercise in older patients with type 2 diabetes.

The relationship between increased arterial stiffness and cardiovascular mortality is well established in type 2 diabetes. "The theory is that aerobic activity makes your arteries less stiff and makes artery walls more elastic," said study author Dr. Kenneth Madden.

The researchers studied adults between the ages of 65 to 83 with controlled type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol to see how increased activity might affect stiffness of the arteries.

The subjects were divided into two groups to either receive three months of vigorous physical activity (one hour, three times per week) or to get no aerobic exercise at all. Subjects were classified as sedentary at the beginning of the study but gradually increased their fitness levels until they were working at 70 per cent of their maximum heart rate, using treadmills and cycling machines. They were supervised by a certified exercise trainer. An improvement was seen in the elasticity of the arteries of the group of diabetes patients that performed the activity compared to those who didn't exercise.

Dr. Madden says that the exercise requirements may be viewed as controversial because of the age of the participants but the exercise level was safe and well tolerated. Dr. Madden notes that realistically, seniors need someone to help them get started. "We need to learn how to do it effectively and how to do it safely," he says. "It could mean visiting your family doctor to find out about provincially funded programs, or joining programs for seniors that are offered at many local community centers."

Dr. Beth Abramson, spokesperson for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, recommends that seniors choose activities they enjoy, such as walking, gardening, golfing, dancing, or joining a yoga or tai chi class. If weather is a barrier, she suggests climbing stairs at home, joining a mall-walking group, or strolling the halls of their apartment building or retirement residence.
References:
1. Madden KM, Lockhart C, Cuff D, Potter TF, Meneilly GS. Short-term aerobic exercise reduces arterial stiffness in older adults with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Diabetes Care. 2009 Aug;32(8):1531-5. PMID: 19509011.