The Role of Physical Therapists in Fighting the Type 2 Diabetes Epidemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND-In 2014, the total prevalence of diabetes was estimated to be 422 million people worldwide. Due to the aging population and continued increase in obesity rates, the prevalence is expected to rise to 592 million by 2035. Diabetes can lead to several complications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, lower extremity amputation, and musculoskeletal impairments.CLINICAL QUESTION-Up to 80% of patients referred for outpatient physical therapy have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, providing an opportunity for physical therapists to intervene. Therefore, we asked, "What is the role of physical therapists in fighting the diabetes epidemic?" KEY RESULTS-Physical therapists commonly prescribe physical activity for the treatment of diabetes and other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis. Physical therapists may also screen for risk factors for diabetes and diabetes-related complications and modify traditional musculoskeletal exercise prescription accordingly. Physical therapists must advocate for regular physical activity as a key component of the treatment of chronic diseases in all patient interactions.CLINICAL APPLICATION-This commentary (1) describes the diabetes epidemic and the health impact of diabetes and diabetes-related complications, (2) highlights the physical therapist's role as front-line provider, and (3) provides recommendations for physical therapists in screening for diabetes risk factors and diabetes-related complications and considerations for patient management. We focus on type 2 diabetes.

Systematic review on the rational use of amniotic membrane allografts in diabetic foot ulcer treatment

“…Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are estimated to affect 15% of diabetic patients. They experience foot ulcers once in their lifetime with a recurrence rate of 35-50% over 3 years to around 70% over 5 years [2][3][4]. Complications of diabetic foot ulcers maybe related to its chronicity, osteomyelitis, re-ulceration, gangrene and amputation which might be aggravated by concomitant co-morbidities such as peripheral vascular disease, sub-optimal blood glucose control and neuropathy to name a few [5].…”

lncRNA uc.48+ regulates immune and inflammatory reactions mediated by the P2X7 receptor in type 2 diabetic mice

“…The global prevalence of diabetes has increased markedly. Due to the aging population and continued increase in obesity rates, the prevalence is expected to rise to 592 million by 2035 (1). Concomitantly, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased rapidly, and patients with diabetes often experience a wide range of complications.…”

Insulin-positive cells in liver and exocrine part of pancreas in animals with experimental diabetes mellitus

“…Актуальность изучения сахарного диабета (СД) обусловлена его широким распространением, инвалидизацией и высоким уровнем смертности пациентов. В настоящее время в мире сахарный диабет диагностирован у 422 млн человек [1]. Экспоненциальное увеличение числа пациентов с СД требует новых терапевтических стратегий для снижения социально-экономического бремени этого заболевания [2].…”