16 Mar, 2009
How Exercise and Weight Loss Can Help Prevent or Control Your Diabetes
Your odds of developing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes goes up dramatically if you are overweight – a fact I am quick sure you are aware of with the amount of media coverage we hear about these days. And the risk increases with every extra pound you put on. If you are considered obese then your risk factor is extremely high. The good news is that one of the best ways to lower your odds of being diagnosed with diabetes and for losing weight is exercise. In fact I would go so far to say that exercise for diabetics is critical.
For those who already have Type 1 diabetes, exercise can help control insulin sensitivity throughout the body. This works as the energy burnt during exercise helps moves the muscles which burns glucose within the body more efficiently. This also helps by increasing your metabolism burning any extra calories which in turn helps you lose weight as well (a lovely side effect) thus lowering your risk all the more.
While Type 1 Diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 Diabetes can with a weight loss program that incorporates both healthy eating and regular exercise. With the proper vitamins and herbal supplements you can also reduce your insulin sensitivity and improve not only your weight but your health overall.
How Much Exercise is Enough to Control Your Diabetes Risk?
It can be as simple as taking a 30 minute walk every day or any other aerobic exercise that gets the heart pumping to dramatically decrease the odds of someone who is already overweight of getting Type 2 Diabetes. Aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) works by increasing circulation to the heart and lungs thus reducing any possibility of losing circulation in your fingers and toes (which is a lethal side effect of diabetes).
Exercise also helps lower high blood pressure by opening the vessels and allowing the blood to flow throughout the whole body freely and without restriction. This again helps prevent any damage caused by the diabetes and give a better quality of life.
Regular exercise, done every day, can greatly improve both your risk/control of diabetes or reduce your likelihood of contracting the disease; however there are some factors that you need take into account before you start an exercise or weight loss program:
(1) If you are diabetic please be sure to always carry natural fruit juice or a candy bar with you in case your blood sugar levels fall too much and you become hypoglycemic. These can be consumed quickly to restore your blood sugar levels fast.
(2) Keep an eye on your energy levels and how you are feeling at all times and if at any time you feel weakened or dizzy make sure to restore your blood sugar levels by taking the candy or juice that you have with you.
With help both from your doctor and a good weight loss and exercise plan you can control both your weight and your diabetes and get back control of your life.