Exercise is linked to the prevention of a number of chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Exercise promotes better health, even in people who have such chronic health conditions. When it comes to diabetes, there are two types. Though the relationship between exercise and each type of diabetes is a little different, exercise plays an essential role in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Exercise and Type 1
Type 1 diabetes was once called juvenile diabetes. It often strikes children and young adults, damaging the pancreas so that it no longer produces the hormone insulin, needed to regulate glucose, or sugar, in the blood. According to PubMed Health, the cause of type 1 diabetes is not understood, but it's generally thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. While regular exercise is not known to prevent type 1 diabetes, it is important in helping manage the chronic condition and help prevent complications.
Exercise and Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is less common in children but most common in people who are overweight or obese, says PubMed Health. Type 2 diabetes causes a resistance to insulin, so that the body can't use it properly to effectively regulate blood glucose. Because type 2 diabetes is so much more common in people who are overweight or obese, exercise plays an important role in preventing type 2 diabetes by promoting a healthy body weight.
Exercise and Diabetes Management
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause a number of complications, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Exercise, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and other healthy lifestyle changes, can significantly reduce the risk of those complications. Exercise also helps keep blood glucose levels stable, preventing the highs and lows that also increase the risk of diabetes complications.
Exercising With Diabetes
Exercising with diabetes requires a little additional preparation to reduce the risk of low blood sugar during or after exercise. Before you start a regular exercise routine, schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about exercise safety. Before you start exercising, FamilyDoctor.org suggests checking your blood glucose level -- and again when you've finished exercising. Keep your water bottle nearby, and drink plenty of fluids when exercising, and make sure you have a snack within easy reach in case your blood sugar starts to drop.
