EXERCISE AND YOUR BLOOD SUGAR

Researchers have known for decades that exercise helps to improve insulin resistance by making your muscles more responsive to the effects of insulin. So, if you have signs of the metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, or diabetes, your primary motivation for exercising is crystal clear. But exactly how much improvement can you expect? In an attempt to answer that question, researchers recently conducted a meta analysis of clinical trials on the effect of exercise in patients with Type 2 diabetes, They looked at the results of 14 different studies using moderate exercise alone, the patients in the study didn't take any drugs to treat diabetes and they didn't change their way of eating  The result? Not a lot weight loss, but significant improvement in blood sugar control as measured by the glycated hemoglobin (AIC) test. In fact, the improvement was enough to make a dent in the risk of diabetic complications. And that was just with exercise alone! Just imagine what can happen when combined with diet control.

OTHER REASONS TO EXERCISE

1. To build and tone muscle
2. To improve insulin sensitivity
3. To help maintain weight loss with a more liberal food plan
4. To help prevent diabetes if you don't have it
5. To help lower blood pressure
6. To help improve blood lipids and clotting factors
7. To help maintain balance and joint support to prevent falls
8. To maintain bone density
9. To improve energy levels, mood, and ability to deal with stress
10. To improve cardiovascular fitness and longevity.
11. To avoid obesity
THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU
Almost everyone can find an exercise plan that is safe and achievable but I strongly advise you to consult your doctor before you begin. If you have been completely inactive or have a heart condition, it is absolutely essential to do this. You may need a stress test to check if you can exercise safely. These tests are usually easy to do, so don't hesitate to ask for one. You may be asked to exercise by walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while hooked up to a heart monitor. Some times a doctor may also use a medication or a sound wave test to provide additional information about your heart function while exercising. It is necessary to consult your doctor before engaging in any exercise especially if you have been inactive or have a heart condition. If you are physically sound you can engage in exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness (aerobic) which includes; running, jogging, brisk walking, bicycling, in-line skating, weight lifting, push-ups, and swimming.

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Posted in: blood sugar, Diabetes, Exercise