By: NorthPointe Wellness Staff
According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 38 million Americans are living with diabetes. On top of that, around 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed every year. November is National Diabetes Month, a time to bring awareness to this chronic disease. Exercise is one of the most important things that you can do to help prevent and manage diabetes. It helps you to maintain a healthy weight, have lower blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of heart disease, and more.
Diabetes Prevention with Exercise
Studies show that regular exercise can help decrease a person’s chance of developing diabetes by 58%. Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, especially aerobic and strength training exercises. It also helps to improve your heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce bad cholesterol.
Diabetes Management with Exercise
Exercise improves insulin sensitivity – a hormone that helps your cells use glucose for energy. Those with diabetes may have cells that are resistant to insulin, leading to a need for more insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Regular exercise can help improve this. Additionally, exercise can help to lower your blood sugar levels for hours after you finish exercising.
Aerobic exercise and strength training are great for people managing diabetes, as these exercises can help to lower your blood sugar levels and build muscle mass. Adults with diabetes are recommended to exercise at least three days a week for a minimum of 150 minutes each day. Active rest days incorporating flexibility or balance training can occur other days throughout the week.
Take control of your health by making exercise a priority in your life. We’re committed to supporting your journey in diabetes prevention and management. Speak with your healthcare provider and one of our certified fitness specialists about beginning a new exercise program today.
REFERENCE: American Diabetes Association. “You Can Manage and Thrive with Diabetes.” ADA. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness.
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