Exercise... it's not just for weight loss
Experts are urging those with type 2 diabetes to exercise, but not only for the reasons you think.
Of course everyone knows when you exercise you burn calories. Burning calories can help with weight loss.
Sometimes weight loss isn't as speedy as we'd like when exercising.
This can cause people to give up on exercise as they become frustrated with the return for the
physical effort put in. Experts say instead of focusing on the scale when you
exercise, concentrate on the many other benefits of exercise. These
benefits include:
- improved blood sugar control
- increased HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol)
- improved blood pressure
- increased fitness, strength and flexibility
- enhanced well-being and personal attitude
Exercise also reduces risk of heart disease and death. Experts believe
the main reason those with diabetes should exercise is to reduce risk of heart disease
and death from major diseases. Does it work?
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) studied over 2800 people with diabetes
to evaluate the long-term effects of exercise (walking) on mortality.
Subjects were studied over an 8 year period. The CDC found walking
extended life of subjects regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index,
period of time since diagnosis, and whether complications were experienced.
Those who walked at least 2 hours per week reduced their risk for heart
disease death by 34%. Those walking 3-4 hours per week reduced mortality
by 54%. Walking at a moderate intensity decreased risk for death.
Blair, S. & Church, T. The Importance of Physical Activity and
Cardiorespiratory Fitness for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes
Spectrum 16: 236-240.
Center for Disease Control. Publications & Products Fact
Sheet. Relationship of Walking to Mortality among U.S. Adults with
Diabetes.
Christine Carlson, MS, RD, BC-ADM, CDE
GlucoMenu® Nutrition Director
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My doctor is very impressed & my sugar is coming under control
