subject: Effects of Exercise on Type 2 Diabetes [print this page] Effects of Exercise on Type 2 Diabetes Effects of Exercise on Type 2 Diabetes
Pancreas releases insulin in our body to control the sugar level in our blood. Insulin then stimulates the body muscles and liver to take in the excess amount of glucose. This results in a stabilized blood sugar level. However, insulin supply reduces in the body of a patient suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Exercising can prove extremely beneficial for such patients. While exercising, our body needs extra energy for the exercising muscles. Short busts of exercise, such as a quick run to catch a bus, require the liver and muscles to release the stored glucose for energy. Further, continued moderate exercising can make your muscles take up nearly 20 times more glucose than the normal rate. This can effectively reduce the blood sugar level. However, remember that strenuous exercise can have an opposite effect.
Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Exercise can help diabetic patients in several ways, such as:
Improves insulin use of the body.
Reduces risk of hypoglycemia.
Reduces body weight by burning excess body fat (reduced body fat leads to improved insulin sensitivity).
Lowers blood pressure.
Improves blood circulation and minimizes the risk of heart diseases and high cholesterol.
Improves muscle strength.
Increases energy levels and enhances work capacity.
Some specific forms of exercises are more beneficial for diabetic patients, such as:
Strength Training: Studies show that strength training is very effective to manage diabetes. This type of exercise can prove even more effective than medication.
Aerobic Exercise: It helps to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Also, it helps to maintain a normal blood sugar level for those suffering from diabetes.
It is preferable to perform moderate exercise everyday for long term results. However, patients suffering from chronic diabetes may face risk from some forms of exercise. So, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a suitable exercise program.
