Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world, and it can be especially tough to manage.
However, incorporating exercise into your daily routine can not only help avoid pain, but also improve balance and overall quality of life. Here are just a few of the benefits exercising can bring to diabetics:.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Regular exercise helps keep blood sugar levels in check by increasing the sensitivity of insulin in the body. The better the body can use insulin, the more efficiently it can process glucose, leading to lower blood sugar levels.
This reduces the chances of complications associated with high blood sugar levels such as nerve damage, heart disease, kidney disease, and amputations.
Weight Control
Exercising helps in maintaining a healthy weight, which is important for diabetics as excess weight can lead to insulin resistance.
Losing unwanted weight will also help to lower the dose of diabetes medication taken, which lowers the chances of side effects from medication.
Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Diabetics are at a higher risk of heart disease, but regular exercise helps reduce that risk. When you exercise, your heart gets stronger, which enables it to pump more blood with less effort.
Additionally, regular exercise can lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, which are two risk factors for heart disease.
Better Sleep Quality
Diabetics often struggle with disrupted sleep due to high levels of blood sugar. Regular exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels, allowing for better quality sleep.
It also reduces stress, which in turn reduces the risk of sleep disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Improved Circulation
Exercise boosts circulation by increasing blood and oxygen flow throughout the body. This is especially beneficial for those with diabetes, who may suffer from circulation issues due to high blood sugar.
Improved circulation also helps in healing wounds and preventing infections and foot ulcers.
Reduced Stress Levels
Exercising helps in reducing stress levels by releasing endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood boosters. It can also reduce anxiety and depression, common emotional side effects of living with diabetes.
Reducing stress levels can help diabetics to maintain blood sugar levels and improve overall quality of life.
Improved Balance and Flexibility
Diabetics are often at risk of falling due to foot and leg numbness and neuropathy. Regular exercise can help improve balance and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Simple exercises like yoga, walking or water aerobics can do wonders for flexibility and balance.
Increased Energy Levels
Regular exercise can help in increasing energy levels and boosting stamina, thus increasing productivity and alertness.
For those with diabetes, regular exercise can combat daily fatigue and improve overall daily activity, leading to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Long-Term Benefits
The benefits of exercise for diabetics are not short-lived. Regular exercise can lead to a healthier lifestyle, ultimately leading to fewer medications, fewer visits to the doctor, and a better quality of life.
Diabetics who incorporate regular exercise into their routine can live longer and enjoy a more fulfilling life, free of complications.