The Powerful Link: Why Fitness Is Effective Against Diabetes
For people who have diabetes—or almost any other disease, for that matter—the benefits of exercise can’t be overstated. Exercise helps control weight, lower blood pressure, lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raise healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce anxiety, and improve your general well-being. There are added benefits for people with diabetes: exercise lowers blood glucose levels and boosts your body’s sensitivity to insulin, countering insulin resistance.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycemia. It occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by allowing cells to take in and use glucose for energy.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type1 diabetes
This type occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence and requires regular insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump to manage blood sugar levels.
Type2 diabetes
This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for the majority of cases. It usually develops in adulthood, but it is becoming more prevalent in younger individuals due to lifestyle factors. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, and the pancreas may not produce enough insulin to compensate. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sometimes medication, are often necessary to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
This type occurs during pregnancy and affects some women who did not have diabetes prior to becoming pregnant. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, and recurring infections. If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to various complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye problems, and foot ulcers.
It’s important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, follow a well-balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, take prescribed medications or insulin as directed, and receive ongoing medical care to manage the condition effectively.
The Link Between Fitness and Diabetes
Prevention
Regular physical activity can help prevent Type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk for obesity and other related conditions.
Management
For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, exercise can help improve blood sugar control, reduce the need for medication, and decrease the risk of complications such as heart disease and neuropathy.
Treatment
In some cases, exercise may even be prescribed as a primary treatment for Type 2 diabetes, as it has been shown to be as effective as medication for managing blood sugar levels.
How Exercise Affects Blood Sugar Levels
Exercise has a significant impact on blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes. Here’s how exercise affects blood sugar levels:
Increased glucose uptake
When you engage in physical activity, your muscles need energy to perform the exercise. They can take up glucose from the bloodstream without relying as much on insulin. As a result, exercise can lead to a temporary decrease in blood sugar levels during and immediately after physical activity.
Improved insulin sensitivity
Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity, which means your cells become more responsive to the effects of insulin. This enhanced sensitivity allows insulin to more efficiently transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, leading to lower blood sugar levels over time.
Short-term blood sugar response
Depending on the intensity and duration of exercise, blood sugar levels can initially increase due to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline, which promote the release of stored glucose from the liver. However, as exercise continues, glucose uptake by the muscles predominates, leading to decreased blood sugar levels.
Post-exercise blood sugar response
After exercise, blood sugar levels may remain lower for several hours or even up to 24 hours. This prolonged effect is known as the “exercise effect” and is especially prominent after aerobic or endurance activities. It occurs due to the improved insulin sensitivity and increased glucose uptake by the muscles, helping to maintain lower blood sugar levels for an extended period.
Hypoglycemia risk
While exercise generally lowers blood sugar levels, it can also increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in individuals with diabetes, especially if they take insulin or certain diabetes medications. It’s essential to monitor blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise, particularly for those on insulin therapy, and make appropriate adjustments in medication, food intake, or insulin dosages to prevent hypoglycemia.
Individual response
It’s important to note that the response to exercise can vary among individuals. Factors such as the type, intensity, and duration of exercise, individual fitness level, medication regimen, and overall health can influence how exercise affects blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring and working closely with healthcare professionals can help determine the best exercise plan and adjustments needed to maintain stable blood sugar control.
It’s crucial for individuals with diabetes to talk to their healthcare team to develop an exercise plan tailored to their specific needs and to learn how to manage blood sugar levels before, during, and after physical activity effectively.
Benefits of Exercise for Diabetes Management
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Exercise can help improve the body’s ability to use insulin, making it easier to manage blood sugar levels and reducing the need for medication.
Weight Loss
Physical activity can help people with Type 2 diabetes lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight, reducing the risk of other health problems.
Reduced Cardiovascular Risk
Exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are major complications of diabetes.
Improved Mental Health
Physical activity has been linked to improved mood and decreased levels of stress and anxiety, which can be especially beneficial for people with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Designing an Exercise Routine for Diabetes Patients
| Frequency | At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, spread over at least 3 days with no more than 2 consecutive days without exercise |
| Intensity | Aiming for moderate intensity (5-6 on a scale of 1-10), which should cause noticeable increases in heart rate and breathing, but still allow for conversation |
| Type | Combination of aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) and resistance training (such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises) for overall fitness and blood sugar control |
| Duration | Start with short, low-intensity workouts and gradually work up to longer, more intense sessions, ideally working towards a goal of 30-60 minutes of activity per day |
Exercise can be a powerful tool for managing diabetes, improving blood sugar control, reducing the risk of complications, and enhancing overall health and wellbeing.
By understanding the link between fitness and diabetes, and following guidelines for safe and effective exercise, people with diabetes can enjoy the many benefits of physical activity and live healthier, happier lives.
