One of the first things that doctors tell their newly diagnosed diabetic patients is to exercise. Individuals typically think it’s to help them lose weight and be healthier, as many people gain weight prior to getting a diagnosis. The truth is that exercise can help regulate blood glucose levels, but in different ways that most people might think.

Glucose is the energy source the body uses to fuel activity, but it requires insulin for muscles and cells to be able to utilize the glucose. Insulin is injected to aid in controlling blood glucose levels and it also enables muscles to use the glucose that’s in the bloodstream. According to an article published by the American Physiological Society, a single round of exercise can reduce a glucose reading by 83 points.

When people exercise, the muscles use more glucose, the heart rate rises, and circulation can increase up to 20-fold. Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and reduces the potential for developing insulin resistance. Doctors prefer patients to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, but even 30 minutes of exercise three times a week is beneficial.

The good news is that no one needs to run a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise when they’re diabetic, nor do they need to run repetitive circles around a track. The first task for anyone is to find a form of exercise that they enjoy so they’re more likely to do it on a regular basis. That can include swimming, dancing, biking, gardening, a brisk walk or even yoga.

There is one thing that individuals should be aware of when exercising. As the body uses more glucose to fuel the muscles, it will naturally lower blood glucose levels. The potential exists for blood sugar levels to drop too low. It’s a good idea to eat a light snack before exercising or at least keep a snack available just in case it’s needed.

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