Diabetes is a disease associated with the impairment of glucose (blood sugar) metabolism. There are two types of diabetes: type I and type II.
Type I diabetes is characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin and Type 1 diabetics, who try to increase their physical activity without reducing insulin, have to consume more calories to keep blood sugar levels in check.
Type I Diabetes
Type I diabetes is characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin. Insulin is required to promote the transportation and utilization of glucose in the cells of the body.
Type II Diabetes
Type II diabetes, also referred to as adult onset diabetes, results from the body's inability to utilize insulin that is present. Type II is the most common form of diabetes and usually begins at middle age.
Exercise
Diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, accelerates both the aging process and certain disease processes, such as heart disease.
Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, decreases body fat, improves muscle tone and strength, helps reduce the impact of stress, aids in reducing high blood pressure, increases daily energy levels, speeds metabolism, improves flexibility, strengthens joints, enhances body image and self-esteem. It also slows some of the aging process and helps reduce long-term complications associated with diabetes, particularly heart disease.
Insulin and Blood Sugar
Type 1 diabetics, who try to increase their physical activity without reducing insulin, have to consume more calories to keep blood sugar levels in check. Those extra calories could make it difficult to lose weight. To reduce insulin levels, the first and foremost thing to do is to work with a professional to figure out how and when to reduce insulin levels.
Besides, blood sugar control during prolonged or intense physical activity by type 1 diabetics often involves a lot of trial and error. Frequent blood sugar monitoring reduces the risk of error.
Types of Exercises
Experts recommend 3 types of activity for losing weight and improving fitness and improving glucose metabolism:
- Cardiovascular (or aerobic) activity
This helps in burning out large amount of calories. This involves at least three weekly 40- to 50-minute sessions of brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or any combination of these and other activities that increase heart rate and can be sustained.
- Strength training or muscle-building exercises
Strength training involves repetitive motion using resistance or weights. Most strength training programs include at least two weekly sessions.
This includes making simple changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking a few blocks instead of driving, spending an evening out bowling instead of watching television, walking around at lunchtime instead of going out to eat or sitting at your desk eating.
