Safe exercises for elderly diabetic patients with chronic complications

Medical complications impair the ability of elderly diabetic patients to exercise independently, which often leads to increased medical costs. Detailed exercise guidance, in addition to encouragement, can help sustain and improve independent exercise abilities in this vulnerable population. Prior to adopting a exercise regimen, diabetic patients should receive a full physical examination and consider possible complications. Disease stage-appropriate exercise information can help patients self-manage their disease and exercise to achieve long-term benefits. This paper is a literature review that focuses on pre-exercise evaluation methodologies, exercise suggestions, and exercises recommended for diabetic patients with chronic complications. This review may serve as a reference for medical professionals responsible to provide exercise advice to elderly diabetic patients.