Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health. Type 2 diabetes affects 90 percent of the more than 23 million people who have diabetes mellitus in the United States. Current trends indicate that one in three Americans will develop type 2 diabetes at some point in their lifetime, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular exercise such as biking is important to preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the body does not use the insulin that is produced by the pancreas efficiently. When this happens, the fat, liver and muscle cells are noted to be insulin resistant, according to the National Institutes of Health. Insulin is an important hormone in the body that helps move glucose into the cells where it is used as energy. When the cells become resistant, blood glucose levels rise and the vital organs of the body can be damaged.
Exercise and Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health condition. There is no cure for diabetes, but in most cases it can be controlled through a combination of diet, medication and exercise. Regular exercise can help you control your blood sugar by burning off glucose in the form of calories and improving your body's response to insulin. You will benefit the most from an exercise program that includes flexibility exercises, aerobics and resistance training, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Biking
Biking is an effective aerobic exercise to start out with, especially if you have been inactive for a long time, notes the National Institutes of Health. Bicycling is low impact and can be either a moderate or vigorous physical activity. If you bike at a rate less than 10 mph you will burn about 290 calories per hour, and your activity level is considered moderate. If you keep a pace that is more than 10 mph you will burn about 590 calories per hour, and your pace is considered vigorous physical activity.
Considerations
Cycling when you are diabetic requires planning and preparation. You should consult with your doctor about how to exercise safely. Monitor your blood glucose levels before, during and after exercise -- and be prepared to take corrective action if your blood sugar levels become too low or too high. Exercise with a partner and wear a medic-alert tag in case of an emergency, according to author Ed Burke in his book, "Serious Cycling."
