Improve Diabetic Symptoms with Exercise

Nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes, and more than 80 million others have pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Among the serious health issues that can accompany the disease are cardiovascular problems, stroke, kidney failure and blindness. Despite all of the awareness campaigns and information available, the situation is not getting better, however: If nothing changes, as many as a third of American adults could have diabetes by 2050, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be controlled in many cases — and having pre-diabetes does not make developing Type 2 diabetes a foregone conclusion. Both the CDC and the American Diabetes Association recommend eating healthy and exercising regularly as ways to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range, and it is this careful management that can help prevent or delay the onset of Type 2, or the potentially deadly complications for those already diagnosed. Type 2 patients may even be able to suspend their supplemental insulin intake after adopting lifestyle changes. 

Exercise helps the body respond better to insulin. Lifestyle changes that include effective diet, exercise and behavior medication could reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent, a large study called the Diabetes Prevention Program determined. This means millions of people can reduce their risk. 

To develop a comprehensive physical activity routine, one must incorporate strength training, aerobic and flexibility exercises, and ways to stay active throughout the day. The accompanying slideshow offers some exercise tips for diabetes management.

Author Bio: Dr. Abhijit Shinde, Medical Director at Aayu Clinics - Lakeview Immediate Care, has a long history of experience in primary care, urgent care and ER. A graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Shinde is invested in every patient’s health, whether he or she needs pediatric care, treatment for a mild fever, allergy treatments or more.