To date, there has been few authoritative study on the benefits of physical activity for children suffering from type 2 diabetes.

However, for children 5 to 17 years of age with type 2 diabetes, we can reasonably recommend the same amount of physical activity as for children in general; that is,

  • 60 minutes per day of moderate- to high-intensity activity.
  • 3 muscle-and-bone strengthening sessions per week.
  • Limit recreational screen time to 2 hours or less per day.
  • Limit sitting for extended periods and indoor time.

The benefits are the same as for adults.

You will find the Canadian physical activity guidelines for children and youth on the Canadian Society for Exercice Physiology Website.