More than 30 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease that interferes with how your body manages blood sugar (glucose). If you have diabetes, you know the important role your diet plays in managing your disease, but you might not realize that exercise plays an important role, too.
With locations in Frederick and Clarksburg, Maryland, Primary Care Associates helps patients stay healthy with diabetes management plans that include exercise, other lifestyle changes, and diet and medication. Here's how exercise can help you manage your diabetes and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Type 2 diabetes interferes with how your body uses insulin, a hormone that helps you maintain normal glucose levels. Specifically, type 2 diabetes makes you less sensitive to insulin, allowing your glucose levels to rise.
Exercise increases insulin sensitivity while also potentially lowering your glucose levels over time. Regular exercise can help you lose pounds and maintain a healthy weight, another important factor in balancing glucose and insulin. One study found that more than 60% of people could reverse their type 2 diabetes when regular exercise was combined with a healthy diet.
Regular exercise also helps reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. That's important for anyone, but because diabetes raises your risk of cardiovascular disease, it's crucial if you have diabetes.
And finally, regular exercise reduces stress, a typical "side effect" of managing a chronic disease like diabetes. Exercise releases "feel-good" chemicals to help you cope with symptoms and manage your disease more effectively.
Nearly any exercise can be a good choice if you're healthy and don't suffer from other problems, like arthritis. Overall, look for activities like low-impact aerobics that get your blood pumping and improve your heart health.
Choosing activities you like is important because then you're more likely to stick with a regular exercise routine. Some possibilities to consider include the following:
Join a gym or stream classes online and exercise in the comfort of your own home. Just be consistent and aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week, spreading it out over at least five days.
In addition to exercise, incorporate more activity into your daily schedule. Take up gardening, walk a pet, or clean your house from top to bottom. All of these chores help burn calories, and they help relieve stress, too.
Diabetes is a serious disease that requires ongoing management to stay healthy and reduce your risks of complications. To learn how we can help you develop a diabetes management plan that works for you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Primary Care Associates today.
