Diabetes and Exercise

Diabetes and Exercise - Can It Realy Help?

Using exercise to treat diabetes is not new, more than 1500 years ago, the Chinese recommended exercise for people with symptoms of diabetes. Can exercise help diabetics? Yes, it can. Researchers now believe that regular exercise can help diabetics by greatly improving the amount of glucose the body absorbs. It is believed that a good exercise program and increase the glucose uptake by up to an incredible 20 times. This naturally reduces the insulin requirements of the average diabetic person.

In type 2 diabetes, exercise has been so successful that it has completely removed the need for insulin injection in some persons. In type 1 diabetes it has reduced the need for insulin by as much as 50 percent. Clearly it is worth trying to control your diabetes with an exercise program.

Not only may daily exercise improve your diabetes but it many added health benefits as well. It will prove beneficial for your heart, lower your cholesterol levels and because exercise burns fat it will help you lose those extra unwanted pounds. Exercise programs also improve overall health and vitality and have proven helpful in a variety of ailments including back pain, arthritis and osteoporosis, to name just a few. And as if that is not enough reasons to get on a treadmill, exercise can also help to make a person look better, feel better both physically and emotionally.

Don’t think that to benefit from exercise you have to go out and beat the four minute mile. A diabetic does not have to engage in strenuous exercise to reap the blessings we’ve mentioned. The latest research has shown that even moderate exercise can prove beneficial for a diabetic. The old saying “No Pain, No Gain” is no longer true.

What is important however is the regularity of your exercise regime. Consistency is the key. Preferably you should exercise every day if this is not possible try to aim for 3-5 times each week. Find an activity that you can manage and that you can enjoy. Walking is ideal for many as it is low impact and less physical.

Medical researchers have found that the benefits of consistent exercise can have benefits that can last up to 2 days. So missing a day here and there can still prove advantages. To help you stick to your exercise routine and goal you may find it helpful to enlist the help of a friend or loved one who can help to keep you motivated and focused on improving your diabetes symptoms. So the verdict is in! Done on a regular basis, exercise can and will help control your diabetes. Please seek medical advice before undertaking any new exercise program to ensure it is suitable in your individual case.