Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic syndrome consisting of two main groups, type 1 and 2, is characterized by aboslute or
relative insulin deficiency or insulin resistance. Individuals with DM take part in physical activity for health promotion,
disease management, and or recreational or competitive sports. Several studies confirm the beneficial role of physical activity
in favorably altering the prognosis of DM. Exercise as a therapeutic strategy has potential risks, too. Hence, sports medicine
physicians caring for athletes with diabetes have several important responsibilities. Diabetic education; pre-participatory
evaluation for vascular, neurological, retinal or joint disease; diabetic status and control; promotion of blood glucose self-monitoring;
and individualized dietary, medication, and physical activity plans are essential to achieve safe and enjoyable outcomes in
individuals with diabetes who are embarking on physical activity.
The authors have stated that they do have a significant financial interest or other relationship with a product manufacturer
or provider of services discussed in this article. The authors do not discuss the use of off-label products, which includes
unlabeled, unapproved, or investigative products or devices.