The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also commonly known as “the CDC”, found 68% of adults over 20 years of age are overweight or obese. Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent and combat both obesity and diabetes, along with improving quality of life.
The American Physical Therapy Association discusses the benefits of physical activity, including how exercise:
- Strengthens muscles
- Optimizes the cardiovascular system
- Controls bodyweight
- Benefits mental health
- Provides socialization
The American Diabetes Association adds that exercise matters not only because it improves your health, but also because it genuinely makes you feel better and can reduce your reliance on medication.
Regular activity is a key part of managing diabetes along with proper meal planning, taking medications as prescribed, and stress management.
When you are active, your cells become more sensitive to insulin so it can work more efficiently. Your cells also remove glucose from the blood using a mechanism totally separate from insulin during exercise.
So, exercising consistently can lower blood glucose and improve your A1C. When you lower your A1C, you may be able to take fewer diabetes pills or less insulin.
Physical activity is also important for your overall well being, and can help with many other health conditions.
The American Diabetes Association has some great info on their website for how to get started, and how to set goals that are manageable and reasonable, rather than overwhelming.
For those of you who enjoy videos, the American Physical Therapy Association has a very helpful video with advice specific to how people with diabetes can get started safely with an exercise routine:
Absolute Wellness Center in Eugene, OR offers sports medicine, chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. If you are interested in improving your fitness safely, managing an existing sports injury, or preventing a future one, we can not only help you get started, but also keep you going strong. Contact us or give us a call at 541-484-5777.