Why Diabetics Gain More From Exercise Compared To Other People

What's true pertaining to the benefits of exercise for most people is also true for diabetics, and more. Diabetics get all the benefits, plus added benefits as well that only they can enjoy. Combined with a good diet and medicine, exercise helps diabetics manage their condition, helps in reducing weight, and is handy in controlling their blood glucose levels. When we exercise, our body uses up energy faster than normal (up to 20 times faster). Since the body's primary source of energy is glucose, exercising is one of the better ways to lower glucose levels. Because we use up more energy during exercise, glucose levels in the blood decreases. Below is a list of the many ways exercise can help diabetics:

1. Exercise has been proven to help the body in its usage of insulin. Insulin helps in the absorption and storage of glucose from the blood vessels to the tissues. Regular exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively, thereby helping regulate the level of glucose in the blood.

2. Excess body fat is burned when we exercise regularly, thus exercise helps in reducing weight and also in maintaining weight at it's optimum level. More, the body's insulin sensitivity is improved as a direct result of the decrease in body fat.

3. It improves muscle strength. Diabetics often feel weak due to high or low glucose levels in the blood. Exercise helps by improving muscles, making them stronger, reducing the periods of weakness.

4. It helps in increasing bone density and strength making bones stronger and harder.

5. Exercise lowers blood pressure and also helps in protecting against heart and blood vessel related diseases by lowering bad cholesterol and promoting the increase of good cholesterol in the body. This is specially helpful for people with diabetes as they are more prone to diseases caused by bad cholesterol.

6. It improves our body's blood circulation thus lowering the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Diabetics will greatly appreciate this as they are prone to heart attacks as well.

7. By exercising regularly, the energy level of our body increases. This will, in turn, increase work capacity and overall productivity.

8. Exercise has also been proven to reduce stress. Stress is one of the many causes of blood sugar level's dips or rises in a diabetic. Reducing stress therefore means glucose levels are easier to maintain and control.

However, there are certain situations wherein intense exercise increases blood glucose levels. This is possible when our body mistakes intensive exercise as a form of stress, thus it responds by raising glucose levels in the blood. In such cases as this, it is more advisable to do some moderate exercises first all the while constantly monitoring your glucose levels. Also, it has been shown that for some diabetics, blood sugar levels go much lower than the preferred levels. It is best therefore to ask your doctor before deciding on what level of exercise is suited for you.