The American Diabetes Association states that there are 23.6 million diabetics in the United States. This condition, resulting from either a defect in insulin production or a failure by the body to use insulin properly, is characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. Studies have shown that lifestyle interventions, including exercises leading to weight loss, can reduce the incidence of one form of diabetes. One weight loss program being marketed is Oxycise, which combines deep-breathing techniques with flexing and contraction of various muscle groups. The creator of the program indicates that anyone can use Oxycise, even those with limited mobility or physical constraints, such as back problems.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes are the three types of diabetes commonly seen. There is no documented way to prevent type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the body destroys the cells that make insulin, the hormone responsible for blood glucose regulation. Type 2 diabetes usually affects adults. It happens when the body is unable to use insulin properly. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy; it is a glucose-intolerance condition. Obesity is a risk factor shared by type 2 and gestational diabetes; it can be controlled with weight management.
How Oxycise Works
Created by Jill Johnson, the Oxycise program has DVDs and CDs that teach you how to do diaphragmatic breathing and to flex and tone different muscle groups. The deep breathing is meant to increase your oxygen intake, thus providing more oxygen to your cells. This is usually the result of aerobic exercising, Johnson says, and you can get the same oxygen delivery by breathing. Oxycise includes 15 minutes per day of zero-impact workout suitable for anyone, even those suffering from back, knee, ankle and hip problems, those with arthritis and those recovering from surgery.
Scientific Evidence
The "New England Journal of Medicine" published a study where non-diabetic individuals with elevated blood glucose were either given medication or asked to take part in lifestyle changes aimed at 7 percent weight loss to control their blood sugar. These subjects were followed for 2.8 years, and it was found that the incidence of type 2 diabetes development was reduced by 58 percent in individuals who lowered their weight using lifestyle measures. Subjects using medication had a 31 percent reduction. If Oxycise does have the weight loss potential that Johnson claims, it could be used as one of the weight loss tools for staving off type 2 diabetes.
Consideration
The Canadian Diabetes Association states that aerobic exercise that increases the oxygen flow to your muscles is important for those living with diabetes. Since Oxycise is built on the premise of increased oxygen delivery to your cells, it may be a viable alternative to those who are unable or unwilling to adopt a more active lifestyle.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: National Diabetes Fact Sheet 2007 (PDF)
- "New England Journal of Medicine": Reduction of Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes; 2002
- Oxycise: What is Oxycise
- Canadian Diabetes Association: Physical Activity and Diabetes
