Exercise & Diabetes Prevention

Daily exercise can prevent diabetes by increasing insulin production, so sugar is used effectively as opposed to being stored in the bloodstream. Normal sugar levels gained through physical activity promote cell rejuvenation, weight management and healthy organ function, which can prevent and reverse the onset of diabetes.

Significance

• Obesity is a leading cause of diabetes, resulting from poor dietary and exercise habits. Adding exercise to daily routines reduces caloric intake. Exercise burns calories gained from food consumption, expending fat calories as energy needed for work-outs. Aerobic exercises increase metabolism, so calories burn at a faster rate, which leads to continued weight loss, normal sugar levels and increased energy.

Effects

• Chemical endorphins are released throughout the body during exercise, resulting in feelings of satisfaction and calmness. Weight gain and obesity problems that occur as a result of nervous disorders such as anxiety, stress and depression may be reduced through physical activity. Fitness routines can substitute for constant and impulsive snacking or eating by providing the same release of dopamine and adrenaline that creates the rush and satiety attained through emotional eating. Diabetes caused by unhealthy binging may be prevented and reversed through positive associations with regular exercise rather than food.

Function

• Physical activity promotes insulin production, so sugar being stored in the bloodstream can be transferred to the cells and then converted into energy. This process achieved by exercise reduces the amount of sugar and fat stored in the bloodstream, resulting in normal sugar levels. Maintained glucose levels lead to healthy cells and blood vessels, which provide continued immunity against diseases and illnesses by defending the body from free-radical damage and by allowing the flow of oxygen to peripheral body parts.

Considerations

• Aerobic exercises such as walking, running and swimming promote cardiovascular and respiratory health, decreasing the risks of diabetes-related heart disease and stroke. Weight-training activities strengthen joints, bones and muscles for improved blood circulation, lowering the incidence of developing diabetic neuropathy symptoms such as numbness of the limbs, infection and coordination problems.

Benefits

• Exercise provides the body with a natural balance between food consumption and energy output. High-fiber, low-calorie meal plans provide the system with nutritious foods that aid in digestion, promote healthy organ function and reduce the amount of stored fat and protein. Physical exertion uses this food for energy, so healthy processes, sugar levels and weight can be achieved in prevention of diabetes and related conditions.