Diabetes and Exercise

What do diabetes and exercise have to do with each other? Research has shown that diabetes and exercise go hand in hand. Exercise can be a vital part of self-managing diabetes, and if you don't have diabetes, being physically active can reduce your risk of getting the disease by lowering your blood glucose, blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and your risk for heart disease and stroke.

 

Diabetes and Exercise: An Overview

Diabetes means that your blood glucose (also called blood sugar) is too high. Your body uses glucose for energy, but having too much glucose in your blood can hurt you. When you take care of your diabetes, you'll feel better. If you effectively manage your diabetes, you'll reduce your risk for problems with your:
 
  • Kidneys
  • Eyes
  • Nerves
  • Feet and legs
  • Teeth.
     
You'll also lower your risk for a heart attack or a stroke.
 
You can take care of your diabetes by:
 
  • Being physically active
  • Following a healthy meal plan
  • Taking diabetes medication (if prescribed by your doctor).
     

Impact of Diabetes and Exercise

Research has shown that diabetes and exercise go hand in hand.
 That is because, in people with diabetes, exercise can:
 
  • Lower your blood glucose and your blood pressure
  • Lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise your good cholesterol (HDL)
  • Improve your body's ability to use insulin
  • Lower your risk for heart disease and stroke
  • Keep your heart and bones strong
  • Keep your joints flexible
  • Lower your risk of falling
  • Help you lose weight
  • Reduce your body fat
  • Give you more energy
  • Reduce your stress.
     
Furthermore, if you do not have diabetes and exercise, you can reduce or prevent type 2 diabetes. A major government study showed that a healthy diet and a moderate exercise program resulting in a 5 percent to 7 percent weight loss can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes.
 
(Diabetes and Exercise Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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