Exercise increases the body’s oxygen requirement and the energy requirement of the muscles would be met by breaking down the liver glycogen stores, triglycerides, and free fatty acids from the Adipose tissues In normal individuals, blood sugar levels are maintained well by the body in order to preserve the central nervous system function. But normal glycemia preservation is controlled hormonally. Any exercise reduces your risk of getting diabetes and increases your sensitivity to insulin if you do have diabetes. Vigorous exercise like running, hiking, and bicycling have for a long time been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Even non-vigorous activities like walking and household chores can have a positive impact on diabetes.
30 to 60 minutes of continuous exercise of any type is advisable for diabetic patients. Try to exercise every day without any excuses. Exercise can keep your blood sugar levels in check and minimize complications from diabetes. It improves the insulin sensitivity of the cells and helps in better glycemic control. If you are overweight, the exercise along with careful attention to nutrition and medication can help in taking off extra pounds and thus will reduce the need for medication as well as minimize complication.
Exercise is important part of your diabetic treatment plan due to several reasons. They include
- Benefits to cardio vascular system
Regular exercises especially aerobic exercise (the kind that makes you sweat and heart beats faster) improves your heart, lungs and blood vessels work. It reduces cholesterol and increase HDL levels, so called good cholesterol.
- High blood pressure control
It can bring down high blood pressure which is associated with stoke and heart attack. Those who exercise regularly have slower resting heart rate. Their heart also beats more slowly while exercising. A slower heart beat and lower blood pressure translate into good news for those who wish to stay healthy.
- Glucose control
In type 2 diabetes exercise helps to control blood sugar levels with little or no medication. This occurs because exercise improves glucose transport and insulin sensitivity.
- Increased muscle strength and flexibility
Strength-building exercises increase muscle to fat ratio. When combined with stretching the result can be a body stronger has greater muscle tone and bends and flexes more easily. Light weight-bearing exercises are especially good for women as they can preserve bone mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Exercise is mood-elevating and makes you mentally happier by increasing the endorphin secretion. Exercise raises body temperature which results in chemical changes in the brain that help to ease anxiety.
- Weight loss
Excess weight results in insulin insensitivity. Losing weight and keeping it in normal range helps for better utilization of insulin that it produces and may lower the risk of diabetes complications.
- Improved body image
How you look is directly related to how you feel. It makes you more physically fit with toned muscles and better circulation. It can help to control body weight and help in remaining active in your life and in the case of your diabetes.