Background:

In our country, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (DT2) and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) increases continuously. Although the phenomenon is accompanied by the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles that facilitate such growth, there is little implementation of strategies that can modify the situation.

Objective:

To review the available evidence on the magnitude of the problem of diabetes and CVRF in our country, its possible relationship with the practice of physical activity and potential mechanism of action.

Methodology:

Evaluation of data from the Third National Survey of Risk Factors (ENFR) and information referred to factors that promote the prevalence growth of T2D. Additionally, successful strategies have been used worldwide for its prevention.

Results:

The body mass index registered in the studied population shows an increase in the percentage of people with overweight/obesity inverse to the practice of physical activity. Likewise, the results of the oral glucose tolerance tests show that their alterations (prediabetes/ diabetes) are lower among those who performed physical activity. The percentage of people with blood pressure values within the normal range as well as circulating cholesterol (according to target values of international guidelines), is also significantly lower among those who practiced physical activity.

Conclusion:

The presented evidence objectively demonstrates the need/advantages of implementing a large-scale diabetes primary prevention program at the national level to.