the things that exercise does is stimulate your body's cells to use
more glucose. When your cells need more glucose, there is less sugar
remaining in your blood. This translates into lower blood sugar
levels. Exercise also helps the insulin your body produces to work
more efficiently.
Aerobic or Anaerobic Exercise? The best exercise for type 2 diabetics
is aerobic, otherwise known as cardiovascular exercise. That's because
it is the form of exercise which will keep your heart healthy. It can
lower your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, decrease bad
cholesterol levels, and strengthen your heart.
While anaerobic exercise is good for you as well, it works differently
and does not have as significant an effect on your heart or sugar
levels. An example of an anaerobic activity is lifting weights. One of
the benefits you gain from growing more muscle is that it increases
your metabolic rate. That's the rate at which your body burns
calories.
How to Burn Calories: The more muscle you have, the more calories you
will burn. This is highly beneficial because most people with type 2
diabetes are overweight or obese. Eating fewer calories or burning
them off more efficiently are both conducive to weight loss.
Ideally you should participate in some form of cardio exercise a
minimum of thirty minutes, three times a week. If you can, you will
find it even more effective to add strengthen training another three
times a week for forty-five minute periods.
When you exercise, your cells ask for more blood sugar, which it takes
out of your blood stream. Plus, stress causes blood sugar to rise and
exercise is great at reducing stress.
Can't get motivated? Try Different Things: The big question or dilemma
is... why does a sedentary person all of a sudden want to exercise?
The truth is, most don't. Even though it could mean a reduction in
medication or never having to start taking meds at all, exercise is
not the clear answer for many type 2 diabetics.
The key to sticking with exercise is to find something you like to do,
emphasis on the YOU. Just because you have friends that love running
and invite you to come along, does not mean that running is the sport
for you. Maybe you should try cycling, walking, hiking, swimming,
canoeing, kayaking, or some other activity.
If you are not an outdoors person, you might find ways to exercise
that you like by joining a gym or health club. Maybe you will enjoy
elliptical machines, water aerobics, or tennis. Anything that gets you
moving is the answer. Finding an exercise buddy or group, is a great
motivational tool and might be just what it takes to get you out the
door every day.
Be Persistent! The Endorphins Will Come: Start out slow. Don't be
embarrassed if you can only do five minutes at first. In a couple
weeks you will be doing ten minutes, and then in a few more weeks you
will have worked you way up to the half-hour goal.
By then your body will have settled into a routine and started to
release endorphins. These neurological hormones are what make your
brain happy and give you a natural high feeling. When you start
feeling great after exercise, your body will actually crave your
workout each day. You may even find yourself looking forward to it.
Yes, exercise is good for you. Physical activity is good for your
heart and gives you lower blood sugar levels.
Would you like more information about alternative ways to handle your
type 2 diabetes?
To download your free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to
Your Questions its based on questions many diabetics have asked me
over recent months.
(c) 2010. Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to
help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2
diabetes.
http://diabetes-in-the-news.blogspot.com
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