Healthy Living
Keeping Active
Keeping active helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Participating in regular physical activity stimulates insulin and can be used as a method to help balance blood glucose levels and decrease the risk of diabetes complications. In fact, research shows that physical activity may even help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes1.
Eating typically raises your blood glucose level, while diabetes medications and physical activity lower it. During physical activity, your muscles use the glucose in your blood for energy. Insulin circulating the body lets glucose into the cells.
Reasons to Get Moving
Regular physical activity may help to:
- Improve insulin sensitivity (helps insulin work better and lowers blood glucose levels)
- Improve blood pressure and lower blood fats, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease
- Maintain a health body weight
- Increase bone strength and reduce the risks of osteoporosis
- Improve your sense of well being
Before any physical activity, make sure you talk to your healthcare professional, balance your food, and understand your medication needs. Eating 1 to 2 hours before activity may help keep your blood glucose level from going too low. You may need extra food to maintain the increased level of glucose your body needs for energy when you are physically active. Bring a snack with you any time you may be active over long periods.
Resources:
1. Li G et al. The long-term effect of lifestyle interventions to prevent diabetes in the China Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study: a 20-year follow-up study. Lancet 2008;371:1783–9
