Many need to recognize that staying active and eating healthy may help them avoid diabetes. If you already have diabetes, it can help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. Additionally, exercise will help you maintain a healthy body weight.
Let us go through some of the things you should know regarding physical fitness and diabetes:
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Body?
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affects one’s ability to produce their own insulin, which can move glucose into the body’s muscles and other tissues. People with Type 1 diabetes notably experience these deficiencies and its following risks early on in life as it’s inherited genetically. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes comes later on due to diets and other factors.
What Kind of Physical Activity Is Needed?
There are a variety of activities to choose from. Although, any activity that includes aerobic and resistance training is recommended for those with diabetes. You may also want to choose activities for your workout that you enjoy, like walking, biking, swimming, or playing sports. Make sure to do stretching exercises after every session.
What Should You Consider When Getting Active?
As mentioned above, choose an activity that you will find enjoyable. Stay hydrated and drink water before, during, and after your workout. Most importantly, you must stay consistent with your exercises every day. As much as possible, do not quit. If you feel like more support is needed, it’s best to seek out a personal trainer.
How Does Physical Fitness Combat Diabetes?
Physical fitness is important when combating diabetes, but it’s only natural to question how it does so. Here are factors that are involved and improved amid the process of how fitness routines:
- Heart Rate
Exercise can have a few positive effects on your body, including your heart. It can increase the heart rate, leading to more oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the muscles, increasing endurance and stamina. However, the main benefit is how it reduces blood pressure.
- Blood Sugar
After exercise, the blood glucose levels of people with diabetes can drop to levels of non-diabetic. However, it is a must to keep in mind that while exercise can lower blood glucose, it will not eliminate the need to take insulin. Exercising can remove wastes from the body, allowing it to level blood sugar levels.
- Blood Circulation
Exercising will increase the oxygen in your blood and increase the level of good cholesterol that can help fight diabetes. More circulating will also help increase endurance and stamina. Well-regulated blood circulation will help prevent both diabetes and heart disease.
- Stress
Stress makes you more at risk of experiencing a diabetic episode. Increased exercise can lower the number of stress hormones, which can lead to better insulin levels and glucose control. This is because hormones will be released, helping you relax and relieve stress.
- Overall Risks
People with diabetes are at risk for many complications related to the disease. Increased physical activity can bring a lot of beneficial health effects. Overall, exercise is a great way to combat diabetes and will decrease your risk of developing other conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, and neuropathy.
Conclusion
Knowing what to know about physical fitness and diabetes can be eye-opening. It is advised that you take these small steps and build a healthier lifestyle for yourself. The key to living a better, healthier life with diabetes is keeping active.
In need of custom fitness programs? The Fit Factor PT is an exclusive, results-driven personal training studio, helping those who are truly interested in achieving their fitness goals. Get in touch with us today!
Chad has been my personal trainer for over 10 years. He is very dedicated and resourceful as a trainer. I would highly recommend Chad. He has kept my body healthy through all these years and in my 50s. Chad is also very accommodating to working with your schedule. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
I love working out with Chad! I have been working out with him for the past year and a half and have had the best results compared with other trainers. Chad’s dedication to his clients, humor, warmth and expertise are a winning combination. I look forward to our sessions and always leave feeling stronger, more flexible and energetic. I highly recommend Chad.
I have been working with Chad (the trainer) for almost three years now and have gone through an amazing transformation! He bonds greatly with his clients and is a very qualified trainer. He tailors workouts to individual clients and has helped me perform better as an equestrian and achieve my physique goals. If you are looking for a great one-on-one trainer, I would highly recommend.
When I started going to the fit factor I went in thinking I had a pretty good knowledge of weight lifting and exercise without having much to improve. I was so wrong! Chad was incredible and really took the time to explain and show proper technique as well as a variety of different exercises that I had never done before. I now have much more confidence in my form and have a really great and well rounded routine. Additionally, Chad catered to my personal goals and really listened to what I wanted to accomplish. I cannot recommend The fit factor and Chad enough!
I have been weight lifting for over five years but have never had dedicated instruction from a trainer. Chad was able to notice where my form was failing and correct it immediately. He also guided me towards effective exercises so that I could keep achieving my goals and moving up. After a couple of months of working with him I was able to see some great results. Chad knows his stuff!
Chad has been great with not only the types of specialized workouts each session but also with checking in after the sessions. He has a real passion for seeing people make big health changes; which makes it fun. Would highly recommend!
I went to Chad looking to get back in shape and lose weight, which had crept up from working long hours. Chad was super patient and non-judgmental. We started at a level where I would see results but not get so sore or so disappointed at what I could not do it. He focused on what I could do if I pushed myself hard and taught me that step/skill building was an integral part of the process. We also talked about nutrition and self-care. As other reviews have mentioned, he cares about his clients beyond the appointment time, and wants them to make positive change to their lives that will stick. I lost 30+ pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I have been able to maintain this for 2 years. He taught me how to create a sustainable workout plan. Even during the pandemic I was able to maintain my weight and my fitness level thanks for his frequent check-ins and the solid fitness base we created through his work and fitness mentorship. I highly recommend him!
I started with Chad in August 2020, my first semester of college was cancelled and i needed something active to do. At that point I was a small underweight kid looking to gain muscle and gain weight. I went to Chad 3 times a week until late January 2021. Those 5 months were great, I really enjoyed going to chad and it was the highlight of my week and something I would look forward to going to 3 times every week. Throughout this time Chad has perfected my form on workouts and had a great and unique workout for me everytime. I went in weighing 125 pounds at 5’10 and now I weigh 150 pounds after the five months. Not only did Chad give workouts but he also gave me a diet for me to follow so I could maximize my time with him. He really personalizes workouts for each person. Currently i’m in the best shape of my life and am super confident in my body. GO TO FIT-FACTOR!!