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The Role of Exercise in Controlling Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association believes a correlation exists between the increasing obesity problem and the "epidemic" of type 2 diabetes. The role of exercise doesn't just begin and end with glucose control, however, and it can benefit all diabetics.

  1. What Exercise Does

    • Excess glycogen, or glucose stored by the muscles, is initially used for energy. Exercise causes the muscles to use glucose at 20 times more than the normal rate. This reduces blood sugar and thus can reduce the need for insulin.

    How Much Exercise

    • Regular exercise--30- to 60-minute sessions three or four days a week--generates the best outcome, according to The University of Maryland.

    Benefits of Exercise

    • Beyond improved maintenance of glucose levels, regular exercise can produce a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and an attainment of a more desirable weight, two factors that greatly affect all diabetics.

    Considerations

    • However, exercise alone will not bring metabolic control to normal levels, and there is nothing to show that type 1 diabetics in particular who exercise are able to "significantly improve blood sugar control," according to the Cleveland Clinic.

    Potential Risks

    • There's always the risk of blood sugar plummeting after exercise, so it is important to have hard candies, glucose tablets or another source of quick sugar or carbohydrate nearby in case hypoglycemia sets in. The National Institute of Health also recommends that those with blood sugar levels of more than 300 refrain from exercise and speak with their doctor.

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