Exercise and Diabetes II

Well, here is a good reason to push myself into an exercise regiment:

Lowering Blood Sugar through Physical Activity
Exercise can do more than help you lose weight. It can increase circulation, decrease stress, and reduce the risk for heart disease and strokes by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Getting some exercise is recommended for overall health. For people with diabetes, exercise can do even more. It can help keep blood glucose levels in range, and can go a long way towards preventing the complications associated with diabetes.

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People diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes usually have something called "insulin resistance." This means that their bodies still produce insulin, but it's not as effective at lowering blood glucose any more. Sometimes the insulin receptors aren't as sensitive, and sometimes the pancreas just doesn't make as much insulin as it used to. This insulin resistance is usually associated with increased fat and decreased muscle mass. Muscle cells use insulin much more efficiently than fat cells do, so building more muscle and reducing fat helps the body use the insulin that is produced thereby lowering overall blood glucose levels.


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How To Begin

Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week. There are lots of different kinds of exercise. Try some of these or come up with your own:

Walking, biking, hiking, or dancing
Exercise videos and DVD's at home
Classes at the local Y such as yoga, tai chi, or pilates
Team sports like volleyball, martial arts, basketball, raquetball
Winter sports like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or mall walking
Before beginning an exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor.

My favorite exercise is swimming not only because I've always loved it but also because of arthritis in my neck, spine, hips and ankles. Water keeps you buoyant and so you don't have any weight on the affected joints. I know what I should do and I even have a place where I can swim...it's a matter of making myself do it.