When diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, patients learn about glucose, or blood sugar, and how the body makes insulin to move glucose into cells, which in turn, use glucose for energy.
Type 2 diabetics do not react to insulin production properly, which means glucose cannot be turned into energy, and remains in the blood. As blood sugar levels rise, the body thinks it needs to produce more and more insulin to help convert the glucose into energy. All of this can cause strain on the pancreas, as it is not able to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar.
Treatment with Exercise
For most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the treatment plan is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a diet of vegetables, whole grains and protein, and to reduce or eliminate processed sugars. Patients are told to get plenty of rest and exercise regularly.
All of these steps seem reasonable; they are the cornerstones of a healthy life. Exercise clearly can lead to stronger muscles, reduction of fat and increased weight loss. But how does exercising impact the body of a type 2 diabetic?
The key to the power of type 2 diabetes and exercise is in the ability to regulate glucose. While exercising, muscles absorb glucose that is circulating through the body. After exercise is complete, insulin continues to help glucose move into muscles for hours. This lowers blood glucose levels, and reduces the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.
Exercise can also aid type 2 diabetics by:
- Regulating blood pressure.
- Increasing HDL "good" cholesterol and decreasing LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.
- Sometimes allowing less medication as blood glucose and weight are lowered.
- Reducing risks for other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer by helping blood flow problems.
- Relieving stress.
- Increasing bone and muscle strength and flexibility.
- Helping to reduce weight and body fat.
The Evidence for Exercise
In 2007, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a study that indicated those with type 2 diabetes who exercised exuded better glucose control than those who did not. It also revealed that those who conducted both aerobic exercise and resistance training had greater results with blood glucose control over a 6-month period.
This study indicated that not only does exercise contribute to type 2 diabetes glucose control, but also that either a combination of activities or longer periods of exercise have even greater effects on glucose levels.
Tips for Exercise
- Before embarking on an exercise plan, discuss with your doctor risks for hypoglycemia, ketones, and if checking blood glucose levels before and after exercise is needed.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be in any form: walking, biking, gardening, swimming, house cleaning.
- Try 10 minute intervals of exercise, three times a day to meet the 30 minute goal.
The foundation for type 2 diabetes and exercise is set, but there is still much more to learn. A November 2008 study from Physical Therapy suggests that we need more information for type 2 diabetes and exercise. Specifically, studies are need to look at how diabetic medications interact with low to moderate exercise and the effects of high impact/high intensity exercise and type 2 diabetes.
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