Background: Physical inactivity was one of the leading risk factors for development of diabetes mellitus. Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for 80-90% of persons with diabetes, and is most prevalent in developing countries. Objective: The objective of this review paper was to describe the role of physical activity in prevention and treatment of T2DM and its complications. Methods: Systematic independent literature search of Pubmed, CINAHL and Scopus was done using keywords physical AND activity and diabetes or diabetic IN title by two testers. Consensus was achieved in presence of the third tester. The suitable citations were identified and selected studies were grouped under prevention, treatment and prevention and treatment, of T2DM. Under each of the three categories, it was further sub grouped into diabetes alone, its associated risk factors or comorbidities and complications. Results: Thirty-two reviews were identified and a final 25 were considered suitable for review. Of these, 14 studies were on prevention only; 7 were on treatment only; 2 were on both prevention and treatment; and 2 were guidelines/ consensus statements. From the prevention studies, physical activity reduced the risk of T2DM by 25-35%. From the treatment studies, physical activity not only reduced HbA1c levels but also enhanced social participation and quality of life. Conclusion: Regular physical activity such as simple walking for 30min per day for all/most days of the week was shown to prevent and manage T2DM effectively. Physical therapists in developing countries are faced with greater demands for individualizing physical activity prescription for T2DM patients. Key words: Physical activity; Sedentary lifestyle; Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; Rehabilitation; Physical therapy.

Key Messages: Walking for just 30 min/day was shown to be beneficial in preventing and treating type-2 diabetes from this review of reviews.