Diabetes is a endocrine disorder that affects the distribution of insulin in the body. More than 23.6 million children and adults that have diabetes in the U.S., reports the American Diabetes Association from 2007 data. If you are a diabetic, one important factor in maintaining good health is to stay active. Using a mini exercise bike may be beneficial in helping you exercise easier. Living an active lifestyle may help with managing your diabetes.
Diabetes Facts
The two types of diabetes are type 1 or juvenile diabetes and type 2. Type 1 generally occurs before you are an adult and your body makes little to no insulin at all. Type 2 diabetes is often a slower onset and can be caused by obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. With type 2 diabetes, the body still makes some insulin but may not distribute it properly in the blood stream or cells may ignore it all together. When blood sugar or glucose builds up in the blood stream, damage can occur to vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. You will need to be monitored closely and may have to take medication to control blood sugar levels. A mini exercise bike may be beneficial to a diabetic because you can use it almost anywhere and it is generally low impact.
Function
A mini exercise bike allows you to strengthen your leg muscles and can also be a form of aerobic exercise -- which is beneficial to your heart. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that exercise has positive benefits for diabetics, such as improving heart health, insulin sensitivity and burning fat and calories. If you are obese, a mini exercise bike can easily be used as you are sitting down in a chair so you can get proper range of motion in your feet and lower legs. This may also help improve blood circulation -- another problem that affects diabetics.
Types
Exercise bikes come in several makes and models, ranging from a high-powered elliptical machine to a small light-weight pedal model that you can take anywhere. Mini exercise bikes are beneficial to those who live in an apartment or are short on extra storage space. You can use your mini exercise bike at your office desk -- allowing you to get movement in your legs even if you live a sedentary lifestyle.
Considerations
Mini exercise bikes are beneficial if you are home or wheelchair bound to the debilitating affects of the disease. A mini exercise bike can be purchased so you can easily sit on it in a comfortable and adjustable position. A mini recumbent bike allows you to sit back in a chair and relax while still getting the full leg work out of a being on a real bike. Many mini exercise bikes do not have handlebars and focus specifically on the lower body.
Prevention
If you are unable to ride a bike outdoors or just don't have the time or space, a mini exercise bike can still give you some of the same benefits. Using your mini exercise bike up to 30 minutes a day at least three to five days a week can help prevent some of the complications of diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathy, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, stroke and nerve damage, explains MayoClinic.com.
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