Metformin is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels. However, medication alone is not always enough, and exercise is an excellent way to help lower blood sugar levels.

Exercise helps to keep muscles, including the heart, healthy, and strong, which is crucial for managing diabetes. In this article, we’ll explore exercises for lowering blood sugar with Metformin.

What is Metformin?

Metformin is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes by helping the body’s cells use insulin more effectively and by reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

Metformin helps control blood sugar levels, making it an essential tool for those with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is only available through prescription from a doctor and comes in pill form.

Why Exercise is Important for Managing Diabetes

Exercise is vital for managing diabetes because it helps to lower blood sugar by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Insulin sensitivity means that the body can use insulin more efficiently.

Additionally, exercise helps to increase blood flow to muscles, improving the cells’ ability to use sugar. Exercise also helps to reduce stress, which can contribute to high blood sugar levels. Regular exercise can help improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of diabetes complication.

Examples of Exercises to Help Lower Blood Sugar with Metformin

There are many types of exercises that can help lower blood sugar levels when taking Metformin. It is essential to perform moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes each day.

The following are examples of exercises that can help manage blood sugar levels:.

1. Walking

Walking is a great place to start. Brisk walking is a simple and effective way to get exercise and is suitable for most people.

You can easily incorporate walking into your daily routine by parking your car a bit further from work, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going for a walk after dinner.

2. Swimming

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. Swimming is also great for the respiratory system and helps to improve cardiovascular health. Swimming is an excellent way to get in shape, reduce stress, and manage blood sugar levels.

3. Yoga

Yoga is a low-impact exercise that improves balance, flexibility, and strength. Practicing yoga regularly helps to control stress, reduce inflammation and reduce anxiety, which can help lower blood sugar levels.

Yoga is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes as it can help to reduce insulin resistance.

4. Cycling

Cycling is a great way to get cardio exercise and is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the knees. Biking works your muscles and gets your heart rate up.

Cycling is an excellent way to lower blood sugar due to the increase in muscle activity as it helps your cells absorb more glucose.

5. Resistance Training

Resistance training includes activities like lifting weights, push-ups, and bodyweight exercises. Resistance training helps to build muscle and improve insulin sensitivity.

Resistance training also increases the body’s metabolism, which helps to burn calories, lowers blood sugar, and can reduce weight, reducing the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

6. Dancing

Dancing is a fun and effective way to get exercise and improve blood sugar levels. Dancing improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and helps to reduce stress, all of which contribute to lowering blood sugar levels.

7. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact exercise that combines breathing techniques and flowing movements.

Tai Chi is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes because it helps to lower stress levels, reduce inflammation, promote flexibility, and help with balance. Tai Chi is also helpful in reducing insulin resistance.

8. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT is a type of exercise that alternates between periods of high-intensity exercise and periods of rest. HIIT training can include activities such as cycling, running, and jumping jacks.

HIIT improves insulin sensitivity, making it an effective way to lower blood sugar levels.

9. Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that improves balance, strengthens muscles, and promotes flexibility. Pilates can also lower stress levels, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Pilates can be easily modified to suit different fitness levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes.

10. Rowing

Rowing is a low-impact exercise that utilizes muscles in the upper and lower body. Rowing provides cardiovascular exercise while increasing muscle metabolism and energy expenditure.

Rowing helps in reducing insulin resistance, which makes it an effective way to lower blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exercise is an essential tool for managing blood sugar levels.

When combined with Metformin, moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes a day helps to improve insulin sensitivity, improve blood flow, reduce stress, and improve overall cardiovascular health. The above exercises are all effective ways to lower blood sugar levels when taking Metformin. If you’re new to exercise or have health concerns, always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.