Work Up A Sweat!
Since exercise helps to cut pounds and increase the body's circulation, it's an excellent way to make Insulin work more efficiently and help control blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that exercise can reduce Insulin resistance. Exercise recommendations for men with Diabetes really aren't that much different than they are for anyone else, three to four times a week for 30 minutes or so a day. But if you're on Diabetic medication, low blood sugar may follow exercise, some times as much as up to 36 hours later. Exercise also helps to keep your heart in good shape by improving your circulation, blood pressure and reducing levels of blood fat such as Cholesterol. It improves your stamina and gives you an improved sense of well being. These factors are important for people with Type 1 Diabetes, but as mentioned earlier exercise also helps to keep blood Glucose levels lower. This is because, when you're active, the muscles are encouraged to take up Glucose from the bloodstream for energy. This helps to control your Diabetes, As does keeping to a healthy weight, another benefit of regular exercise.
Copyright Paul Bradley West Lothian College February 2004
