If you’re struggling to keep your blood sugar in line, you’re not alone. More than 100 million Americans deal with diabetes or prediabetes. Although this condition is serious, the good news is that there are ways you can manage it. First and foremost, it should go without saying that it’s always important to follow your doctor’s orders. Beyond that, however, there are several things you can do to manage your diabetes. One of the most important is regular exercise. How does exercise help diabetes? Let’s find out . . .
How Does Exercise Help Diabetes?
Aerobic Exercise Lowers Blood Glucose Levels
If you experience diabetes or prediabetes, it means your body either can’t make enough insulin or has problems using insulin. This results in unhealthy blood glucose levels. There’s a good chance that your doctor has already suggested exercise to you, and there’s science to back up the advice. Numerous studies, like this one, show that regular aerobic exercise helps lower blood glucose levels. This is because when you work out, your body is able to use glucose without insulin – eliminating some of the excess glucose in your blood.
Exercising Tips
If you want to reap the benefits of exercise as a diabetic, you need to be consistent with your workout. We know that sticking to a new habit is easier said than done. However, approaching exercise in the right way can help you stick to your routine.
Pick an exercise you enjoy doing, and seek out an accountability partner. You can either exercise with your accountability partner or ask him or her to check in with you daily to make sure you’ve met your fitness goal. When it comes to finding an exercise that you enjoy, get creative. If you don’t enjoy brisk walks or cycling, try dancing or water aerobics to get your blood pumping. Other examples of aerobic exercise include swimming, running, rowing, tennis, and using an elliptical trainer. Talk to your doctor for help establishing a good exercise routine for your needs.
Finally, remember to check your blood sugar with your glucose meter before and after exercise, especially if you’ve recently established a new fitness routine. Make sure that you always remain in the safe range.
Other Health Benefits of Exercising for Diabetics
Of course, you didn’t hear it here first, but exercise is beneficial for your health beyond the management of diabetes. Regular exercise also prevents and manages other health issues that often appear in people with diabetes. Take a look at these additional health benefits:
- Manage Your Weight: Exercise burns calories and can help you lose weight. Plus, losing weight through exercise gives your pancreas a break and enhances its ability to provide insulin.
- Lower Your Stress: Exercising releases endorphins, which lower stress. Stress prohibits diabetic bodies from releasing insulin.
- Improve Your Mood: Endorphins also improve your mood. Diabetes is sometimes associated with mood swings due to high and low blood glucose levels, but exercise can help stabilize your emotions.
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How does exercise help diabetes? Aerobic exercise lowers the amount of glucose present in your blood, and it also helps with some other health issues that often coincide with type 2 diabetes. So if you suffer from diabetes, talk to your doctor about developing an exercise routine – and then stick to it!
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