Anyone that is diabetic can benefit from exercising. The muscles in the body become more sensitive to insulin, and as a result, they absorb higher concentrations of insulin from the blood. People that exercise moderately can experience lower blood sugar for 24 or longer. Whether you were recently diagnosed with diabetes or have been battling it for years, here are some exercises you can do to regulate your blood sugar.
Yoga
Engaging in yoga on a regular basis can lower blood sugar levels. Stress increases the amount of glucagon levels in the body and reduces the body’s ability to respond to insulin. Yoga helps to reduce stress and the production of stress hormones, thus reducing glucagon levels in the body to improve the body’s response to insulin.
Swimming
Swimming is an excellent way to manage diabetes. Swimming works and strengthens all of the muscles in the body. This enables muscle cells to absorb more blood sugar, resulting in lower sugar levels in the blood.
Aerobics
Aerobic exercises improve cardiovascular and bone health, reduces stress and increases the amount of oxygen available to the cells in the body, all of which contribute to long-term glucose control. Popular aerobic exercises that help to stabilize glucose levels include brisk walks and dancing. To achieve maximum and long-term results, you should incorporate at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity into your daily routine.
Factors That Determine Effectiveness
Exercise is crucial to maintaining good health. Many diabetic people are overweight, have high a calorie intake, and poor cardiovascular health. Factors that determine how exercise will affect your blood sugar levels include genetics, lifestyle, other health conditions, medications, type of diabetes, and length of activity.
Insulin and Exercise
The ability of your cells to utilize insulin increases during and after exercise. Since everyone’s body responds differently to exercise, it is important for you to understand how your body responds to it. Check your blood sugar levels before and after you exercise to keep track of how your blood sugar responds to different activities. Some people experience a drop in their blood sugar levels that can aggravate their condition. If you experience a drop in blood sugar during or after exercise, stop and immediately treat your condition. Keep in mind that blood sugar levels are more likely to drop too low during periods of long and strenuous exercise, so adjust your level of activity accordingly.
There are many other benefits to exercising than regulating blood sugar. Other benefits include improved circulation, flexibility, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and better weight management. Prior to starting any exercises, consult with your doctor to ensure that your diet and treatment plan are adjusted accordingly to help you to achieve the maximum benefits.