People with diabetes are constantly challenged by oscillating blood glucose levels. The magic of exercise, and the reason for its vital importance in the treatment of diabetes, is that muscular contractions have the exact same effect on the body as insulin.
Exercise increases the uptake of glucose by the muscles. Coupled with caloric restriction and a balanced nutrition plan, exercise can help ward off diabetes in healthy individuals, and beat diabetes in those currently with the disease. By becoming more active, the risk of suffering from type two diabetes drops by 60%.
According to Ms. Jo Hart, the Western Australian Director of Health Services at Diabetes Australia WA, the key is physical activity. “People with diabetes and low fitness levels have a much higher risk of heart disease regardless of how much they weigh,” she says. “People are able to prevent deaths from diabetes and heart disease simply by getting fitter”.
Discuss a long term plan with your health professional to ensure you don’t over medicate. Eat smart and exercise smart. These are, after all, the best drugs.
