Type 2 Diabetes Exercise

Speaking of Type 2 Diabetes Exercise, Dr. Francine Kaufman, President of the American Diabetes Association said,

Exercise, along with diet(nutrition), medication and medical monitoring, is a key component of diabetes care.

No pill comes close to being such an elexir for diabetes as exercise, and this at such a low cost.

Why is Type 2 Diabetes Exercise So Important?

Exercise is a very powerful method for controlling your blood sugar levels and helping to prevent cardiovascular disorders.

Exercise...

• increases your body's ability to use insulin (i.e improves insulin sensitivity) and to control your blood sugar levels
• can help prevent or postpone the onset of type 2 diabetes
• lowers your cholesterol, triglyceride and blood fat levels (this is known as your lipid profile)
• lowers high blood pressure
• reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and colon cancer
• strengthens your bones, joints and muscles
• improves anxiety and depression levels
• reduces your body fat and increases your muscle mass which enables your body to use insulin better. This improves the way you feel, look and function.

As mentioned above, type 2 diabetes exercise improves insulin sensitivity. One of the reasons you get diabetes is because you are not sensitive enough to your insulin.

By exercising you improve your sensitivity to the insulin that your body produces, as well as too any insulin medication. Exercise can result in you needing less medication.

What Type of Exercise?

Aerobic exercises are highly recommended. These use the large muscle groups such as the legs, thighs, buttocks, back, shoulders and arms.

Exercises such as brisk walking, running, jogging, cycling and swimming all use the large muscle groups.

Weight training and strength training are also beneficial if you have diabetes. These are important because as you lose fat you need to build up your muscles to give your body better definition (shape).

However, when doing weight training or strength training be aware of those exercises that could potentially raise your blood pressure.

As a person with diabetes, or you think you may have diabetes, always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Type 1 Diabetes Exercise

Individuals with type 1 diabetes are often prone to developing ketones, an acid that is dangerous. They should consult with their doctor or a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any exercise program.

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