The Incredible Effects of Exercise on Diabetes Management

The safest way to manage both type 1 and 2 diabetes is to be physically active. Staying active can improve the blood sugar management and insulin sensitivity. As a result, the insulin medication may be able to work more efficiently. Moreover, regular exercising can help reduce the chance of damage to the large blood vessels and can get rid of the excess body fat. Exercise can also reduce or increase the blood sugar level. During any form of physical activity, the blood sugar levels can reduce due to the muscles using the glucose as a form of energy. As a result, the body may become more sensitive to insulin. However, at times, the blood sugar can increase because of the effects of some hormones that the body releases during exercising, like adrenaline for example. Here is everything about the incredible effects of exercise on diabetes.

The Effects of Exercise on Diabetes

Everyone’s diabetes is significantly different. Therefore, some people may react differently to a certain type of exercise. As a result, it is highly important that those with diabetes understand how their blood sugar reacts to a certain exercise if they want to manage their fluctuations properly. This is the only way to prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Otherwise, their health may worsen. Therefore, people should be prepared for an exercise in advance. They should have proper food adjustments and insulin to keep their blood sugar in check.

Benefits of Exercising with This Condition

Exercising can have countless benefits for all people, even those without this disease. Here is what it can do for the health:

• Reduce depression and anxiety;
• Help deal with stress;
• Reduce the chance of stroke or heart attack;
• Reduce the blood pressure;
• Help a person lose weight;
• Boost insulin sensitivity;
• Keep the joints more mobile;
• Keep the bones healthy;
• Help keep the blood sugar in check;
• Boost circulation.

Type 2 Diabetes and Exercise

To properly manage type 2 diabetes, it is crucial that a person implements a healthy diet and do a lot of physical activities. In other words, it is important to lose weight to improve one's overall health. Even though people with this chronic condition don’t usually experience extreme blood sugar fluctuations, it is important that they stay active to manage their condition. So, someone who is obese or overweight should lose their abdominal fat. As a result, we suggest that they practice aerobic 30 to 40 minutes every day, 3 to 5 days a week. Therefore, feel free to include swimming walking, or bike riding as a form of exercise.

Type 1 Diabetes and Exercises

Exercising may prove difficult for some people who are dealing with type 1 diabetes. Since their blood sugar can fluctuate significantly, it is important that they balance their insulin dose accordingly. Also, they have to pay attention to the foods they eat. These foods mustn’t affect their blood sugar levels. If they manage their condition well, they can avoid the potentially dangerous effects of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. As a result, it is crucial that those with the chronic condition monitor their blood sugar levels before, during, and after physical activity. Besides, every individual may react differently to certain physical activity. So, observation is the key.

Professional Cycling Team with Diabetes

One of the most demanding and challenging physical activity is professional cycling. Riders have to stay on schedule, and their training is extremely demanding. Therefore, they always have to train for many hours intensely. One such team is Novo Nordisk. They are a team of professional cyclers who all have diabetes. They practice riding to manage their condition better. But, at the same time, they have become professionals ready to compete. The team works tirelessly together with their doctors to properly manage their condition. They monitor their blood sugar levels before, during, and after every race. This way, they learn to deeply understand their condition and see how their body reacts to the exercise. Moreover, they adjust their insulin and nutritional intake to stay within the optimal blood sugar range. If their blood sugar fluctuates, they take the necessary medication.

Final Thoughts

Their amazing achievements demonstrate that people can manage their condition, as long as they stay committed, educated, and disciplined. With the help of healthcare professionals, those with diabetes can definitely manage their condition with intensive physical activity. Therefore, it is important that they stay active and monitor their blood sugar closely.