Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes

One of the easiest ways to healthier blood-sugar levels is exercise.

Unfortunately, health experts state that only 30% of the United States population gets the recommended thirty minutes of daily physical activity, and an additional 25% are not active at all. In fact, inactivity is thought to be one of the key reasons for the surge of type 2 diabetes in the U.S., for the simple reason that inactivity and resultant obesity promote insulin resistance.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that over 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are clinically overweight.

The good news is that it is never too late to get moving, and exercise is one of the easiest ways to start controlling your diabetes. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, lower the risk of heart disease, and promote weight loss.

To get started, it is recommended that you first consult with your health care provider. If you have cardiac risk factors, the health care provider may want to perform a stress test to establish a safe level of exercise for you.

Certain diabetic complications will also dictate what type of exercise program you can perform. Activities like weightlifting, jogging, or high-impact aerobics can possibly pose a risk for people with diabetic retinopathy due to the risk for further blood vessel damage and possible retinal detachment. If you are already active in sports or work out regularly, it would still be beneficial for you to discuss your regular routine with your doctor.

Once you get the “green light,” an exercise routine can be as simple as a brisk walk. If you have not been very active before now, start slowly and work your way up. Walk the dog or get out in the yard and rake. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park in the back of the parking lot and walk. The only financial investment required to start is a quality pair of well-fitting, supportive walking shoes.

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