Diabetes is a disease that affects the endocrine system. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 23.6 million Americans have diabetes. One of the most significant things you can do to control your blood sugar levels and to prevent the onset of diabetes is to exercise. With a pedometer, you can track how many steps you take and how many calories you burn. On average, 2,000 steps equal to a mile.
Diabetes
With diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or your blood cells do not recognize insulin in the body. After you eat, the blood glucose produced from sugar and carbohydrates begins to back up in your bloodstream. In a non-diabetic, insulin is released at this point and blood sugar levels even out. In a diabetic, blood sugar levels stay high for a long period of time. Taking care of your body by eating the right foods, getting enough exercise and taking your diabetes medications can help you better control the disease.
Pedometers
A pedometer is a device that tallies up how many times you take a step. It serves as a reminder tool which you can use to configure how many miles you walk each day. Pedometers can be found at retail and fitness stores. Clip the pedometer to your waistband for effective use. Models range from simple pedometers that simply count your steps, to more complicated ones that display calories burned and distance walked.
Benefits
Exercise is important when you have diabetes -- it helps lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetes complications. Complications include heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blindness and limb amputation. FamilyDoctor.org explains that daily exercise can help you lose weight and lower your blood sugar levels. Walking with a pedometer will help you keep track of how much exercise you get each day. Pedometers work well with light to moderate exercise such as walking. Walking can be beneficial for diabetics, especially when faced with diabetic neuropathy that makes it painful to do strenuous exercise.
Diabetes Prevention
Diabetes may be preventable, even if you have been diagnosed as a prediabetic, by eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates, and losing excess weight, especially around the midsection, to reduce the risk for developing insulin resistance -- a condition where the body has trouble metabolizing carbohydrates and sugar. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends healthy adults get up to 30 minutes of exercise per day at least five days a week in order to remain healthy and prevent certain diseases such as diabetes. You can use your pedometer to keep track of how many steps you are averaging in 30 minutes of walking time.
