Exercise habits and exercise relapse in persons with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Exercise is widely recognized as a crucial component in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), but little is known about actual exercise practices in this group. This study investigated exercise habits in 60 persons with NIDDM and 60 nondiabetic significant others. Despite the importance of exercise, most of the persons with NIDDM in our study were not exercising regularly, and the percent of persons exercising regularly was no greater in the diabetic group than in the group of significant others. Although those with NIDDM reported more frequent discussion about exercise with health care professionals, only 25% reported receiving specific guidelines for exercise. Diabetic respondents reported a greater number of relapse or dropout episodes than did the nondiabetic significant others, and relapse was associated with increased guilt. Persons with NIDDM appear to receive recommendations to exercise without instruction on exercise maintenance strategies, resulting in more failed attempts to exercise, and increased guilt. Interventions shown to be effective for increasing exercise maintenance need to be incorporated into the diabetic regimen.