Living with diabetes can present numerous challenges, but one powerful tool in managing this condition is regular exercise. Exercise not only helps in maintaining a healthy weight, but it also improves insulin sensitivity, reduces blood sugar levels, and enhances overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the significant benefits of exercise for individuals with diabetes and provide practical tips to incorporate physical activity into daily routines.
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but regular exercise offers significant benefits for managing the condition. One key advantage of exercise is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. By engaging in physical activity, the muscles require more glucose for energy, leading to better blood sugar control. As a result, insulin becomes more effective at transporting glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, reducing insulin resistance and allowing for better utilization of insulin by the body. Moreover, exercise directly impacts blood sugar levels, lowering them both during and after physical activity, this effect can help improve long-term blood sugar management.
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin effectively.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells.
Type 2 diabetes is often linked to insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications, but with proper management, including medication, lifestyle changes, and blood sugar monitoring, individuals with diabetes can live healthy lives.
In addition to insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, exercise plays a crucial role in weight management, which is vital for individuals with diabetes. Regular physical activity helps burn calories, increase metabolism, and build lean muscle mass. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial as excess body weight can contribute to insulin resistance. Combining aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling with strength training exercises can be particularly effective in achieving weight loss goals and improving overall body composition. By engaging in regular exercise, individuals with diabetes can not only manage their weight but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart disease and stroke. Exercise helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, strengthen the heart, and enhance circulation, promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.
Managing diabetes can sometimes be emotionally challenging, and exercise can be an excellent tool for improving mental well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins, also known as "feel-good" hormones, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, regular exercise improves sleep quality, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall mood and self-esteem. At Prescribe exercise we promote participation, adherence, and social engagement with others in the gym to address both physical and mental benefits of exercise.
How Can Prescribe Exercise Help?
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists will tailor a program based on your own personal goals, likes and dislikes, safety and ability whilst addressing any health conditions!
With a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment we can provide supervised 1on1 sessions or a more independent approach with a Prescribe Gym Pass with access to our gym to complete your exercise sessions with our Prescribe Team around for any questions or guidance.
When starting your journey with at Prescribe, we will ensure to address all specific health needs, slowly introduce new exercises, find activities you enjoy, set goals to aim for, be creative with sessions and monitor blood sugar levels to ensure the best diabetes management plan!
Exercise is a powerful tool for individuals with diabetes, offering a wide range of benefits from improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control to weight management, cardiovascular health, and enhanced mental well-being. By incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine and working closely with your Prescribe Exercise Team!
Tel. (02) 4259 0384 126 Church St, Wollongong, NSW, 2500
14 Churchill Ave, Warrawong, Entry Via Mowbray Lane
Post Created By Ivana - Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Prescribe Exercise are your local exercise physiology specialists. We provide exercise rehabilitation to assist manage and prevent injury and chronic disease in the Wollongong and Illawarra area. Our programs will assist to achieve personal excellence, we do this by taking the time to educate and empower you with the highest quality care and exercise best practice available. We genuinely care for our clients and want to make a difference in your life, we will help you to get better and stay better so that you can regain control of your health once again.
Want to book in for Exercise Physiology Wollongong, head on over to our online bookings CLICK HERE