Diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Most factors contributing to Type 2 diabetes are controllable including inactivity. Exercise improves your body's ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Left untreated, Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious conditions affecting your body, specifically your heart.
Function
Your pancreas functions to produce insulin, a hormone that helps your body utilize stored sugar for energy. Insulin transports sugar from your blood to your cells throughout your body. Diabetes is a condition in which your body becomes unable to produce insulin. The sugar remains in your blood resulting in a hyperglycemic condition, and accumulates to unhealthy levels while your cells are unable to receive the sugar needed for functioning effectively.
Types
There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 is the most common form, affecting an estimated 90 percent of all diabetes patients, according to the American Council on Exercise. Contributing factors include family history, inactivity, poor diet, excess body fat in the abdominal area, age and high blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but can be managed with lifestyle changes resulting in improved health.
Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes is known as adult onset diabetes, developing gradually as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle and heredity. The American Heart Association estimates that 60 million Americans have a condition known as prediabetes, which increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A prediabetic condition doubles the risk for a heart attack. Symptoms leading to Type 2 diabetes include blurred vision, fatigue, slow healing infections and an increase in appetite, thirst and urination frequency.
Effects
Treatment of Type 2 diabetes consists of making healthy lifestyle changes to control contributing factors. Eating healthy and exercise can reverse the affects of being overweight and overfat. Cardio training leads to decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin resistance. Increased circulation and activity help to manage weight and lower blood sugar levels. Weight training and flexibility training improve muscular strength and reduces the risk of injury. Suggested workouts include cardio training three times weekly, weight training two times weekly and flexibility training three times weekly.
Considerations
Managing Type 2 diabetes with prescribed medication, diet and exercise is crucial. Left untreated, this condition leads to problems with your eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, nerves and heart. First time exercisers should consult a physician prior to starting an exercise program.
