Exercise regimen for patients with diabetic nephropathy

To elucidate the relationship between physical activity and the progress of diabetic nephropathy, patients were divided into two groups with physical activity maintained (G) or restricted (R). The period between the onset of 1+ and 3+ proteinuria was 56 +/- 25 months in G and 68 +/- 25 months in R. But the period between 3+ proteinuria and the serum creatinine exceeding 2.0 mg/dl was 29 +/- 19 and 23 +/- 22 months, respectively. Duration of the nephrotic stage before the entry to dialysis was about 27 months in each group. After initiation of hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), postural hypotension tended to be less in G and Karnofsky score for fitness in daily physical activity was significantly better in G. Even after macroalbuminuria emerged, it was concluded that a strict restriction of exercise is of little benefit.