Why Exercise Helps Diabetics

Diabetes hinders the body's ability to produce and use insulin correctly. It can also cause blood sugar levels to get dangerously high. According to "Stopping Diabetes in its Tracks," exercise helps the body use insulin and lowers blood sugar levels. As a result, physical exercise is one of the best ways to control diabetes in addition to taking medication.

The Facts

• Physical activity helps the body use glucose.

  Diabetics often have high blood sugar because of too much glucose (sugar) in their blood. One of the most important benefits of exercise is it lowers blood sugar. Working the muscles boosts the body's demand for glucose. The muscles use their own supply of glucose, then they use glucose stored in the liver, and finally they pull glucose directly from the bloodstream. This lowers blood sugar levels. The level stays low for hours because the body replenishes glucose in the muscles and liver first.

Significance

• According to the Diabetes Forecast website, exercise makes the cells more sensitive to insulin. Exercise forces cells to work harder to get the glucose they need. As a result, the cells are more likely to pull glucose from the bloodstream.

Considerations

• Shrink your waist to fight diabetes.

  According to "Stopping Diabetes in its Tracks," abdominal fat is linked to a higher risk of diabetes and complications. Exercise helps diabetics lose weight and burn abdominal fat.

Warning

• Diabetics should test their blood sugar levels an hour before they exercise. They should also retest their levels within 30 minutes of exercising. If the levels are falling, they have to eat before they exercise. If the levels are rising, they might need more insulin or to take their medication.

Interesting Fact

• Exercise cuts the risks of having a heart attack or stroke, both of which are linked to diabetes.