Diabetes and Exercise - The Importance of Activity The link between diabetes and exercise has been well studied. In fact, most chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cancer as well as emotional illness like depression or anxiety are improved by exercise. It is beneficial to incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle when you are trying to prevent diabetes. The connection between regular exercise and diabetes prevention is due to the improved metabolism of glucose during and after physical activity, and improved sensitivity to insulin which both lead to lower levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes and exercise is one of the hot topics of research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Here's a useful NIH article on Diabetes and Exercise - Benefits for You
You have heard many of these before. Incorporate some or all of them daily, and add some of your own. 1. Take the stairs rather than the elevator - especially UPstairs, but walking downstairs also burns more calories than standing in the elevator. 2. Park as far away as possible from the door or entrance so you will have to walk. 3. Wash your own car - this will help you save money and get more exercise at the same time. 4. Plant a garden and take care of it. Every day, check your plants and pull any weeds while they're small. When you are taking care of your garden you will experience a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Gardening nourishes the soul while providing exercise. It doesn't matter if you have a few pots on your porch or a large backyard, the goal is to find ways to get moving every day. You may choose to cultivate flowers, vegetables, spices, whatever interests you. And if you can get your children or grandchildren involved, you'll likely have more fun, promote family bonding and gain an excellent opportunity for teaching them patience, perseverance, nurturing, laws of nature, etc. 5. Walk the dog - the exercise benefits both you and your pet. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to get regular exercise outdoors. 6. Play with your kids or grandkids rather than watching TV. Playing improves family communication and togetherness. Whatever activity you can think of which gets you up off the couch and moving, preferably outdoors, rather than watching TV, will prove beneficial. 7. Walk or cycle to the corner store, library or convenience stores in town rather than driving. But whatever activity you choose, exercise 30 minutes or more each day. Get walking, get cycling, get swimming, get dancing, get jogging, get skipping, whatever you like – just get busy! Thirty minutes a day of moderate physical activity, plus a 5-10% decrease in body weight, will make a difference. And the closer you get to your ideal body weight, the more effectively you can achieve balance in your blood sugars. The link between diabetes and exercise is real; commit now to regular exercise and diabetes will be avoided. Here's more information on Exercise and Diabetes Prevention through weight loss.
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