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Don’t let the thought of exercise and your type 2 diabetes get you down. Start with small steps to get great results.
Introduction
I am back on discussing the exercise kick and type 2 diabetes. I know; how boring and we have all heard it before. But with a little effort, and I emphasize “little,” for all of us living with type 2 diabetes, it can be a game changer.
I just had a friend pass away due to a multitude of medical problems, mostly the result of not taking his diabetes seriously. I don’t want that to happen to me or to you, if I can help in any way.
What Does Exercise Do?
Exercise, for some reason, lowers blood sugar. Depending, the results can last for hours. For me personally, it has helped me get off type 2 diabetes medications, and I have never touched Insulin – and anyone with type 2 diabetes, taking a few small steps, can have similar results.
When I Say Small Step
I mean small steps. I began with a walk with my wife. It was a sunny afternoon with warm temperatures, and we walked around the block. It was even better when my wife suggested we stop at the local coffee shop. That was it—about 20 minutes walking there and back.
From that first walk, we have expanded to where we walk just about anywhere within a 2 – 3 km radius. We even leave the car at home to go shopping. If we have a load, we taxi it home. Surprising, how little a taxi costs compared to driving our car.
What Has Exercise Done?
Taking small steps and not putting a huge strain on my body has reduced my blood sugar to an average of 6.2 (112). It is not all exercise; diet also plays a part. But I can now eat small bites of what I enjoy – a few French fries, carrot cake and ice cream, and other foods before forbidden, without my blood sugar going through the roof.
Note: Please do not try this “cold turkey.” Please discuss any food, medication, or exercise changes with your doctor. Fortunately, I have a great Diabetes Doctor who has helped and encouraged me all along the way.
Some Thoughts Along the Way
We all know that exercise can play a significant role in managing type 2 diabetes. Exercise can help provide a better quality of life living with type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of complications associated with the condition.
Here's how exercise can help transform your type 2 diabetes management:
Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Regular exercise helps your muscles become more sensitive to insulin, allowing them to take up glucose from the bloodstream more effectively. This can lower blood sugar levels and reduce the need for insulin or other diabetes medications.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: Physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing muscle glucose uptake for energy during and after exercise. This effect can last for hours, providing a sustained reduction in blood sugar levels.
Aids Weight Management: Exercise can help with weight loss or maintenance, which is important for managing type 2 diabetes. Losing excess weight can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Reduces Cardiovascular Risk: Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of blood clots.
Enhances Mood and Mental Well-being: Exercise boosts mood and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Managing these psychological factors is essential for overall well-being and can indirectly improve diabetes management by helping you stick to your treatment plan.
Increases Energy Levels: Regular exercise can increase energy levels and reduce fatigue, making it easier to stay active and engage in daily tasks.
Promotes Better Sleep: Good sleep is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. Exercise can improve sleep quality and help regulate sleep patterns, which is beneficial for overall health and diabetes management.
Enhances Overall Health: Exercise has numerous health benefits beyond managing diabetes, including reducing the risk of other chronic diseases such as certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, and dementia.
Improves Blood Circulation: Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which can help prevent diabetic complications such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow to the limbs).
The End
Overall, incorporating regular exercise into a diabetes management plan can lead to better blood sugar control, improved overall health, and a reduced risk of complications associated with type 2 diabetes. I am not talking about lifting weights or extreme sports. All it takes is starting with small steps.
We at Damndiabetes.ca are here to help any way we can. Feel free to give us a shout through our website contact if you want support to begin living a better quality of life living with type 2 diabetes.
Please remember to consult with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and medical history.
Best wishes from all of us ...
https: www.damndiabetes.ca
Vancouver, Canada
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