Football is not just a sport. For individuals with hypertension and diabetes-2, football can mean a whole lot more.

It offers them an opportunity to stay active, lose weight, lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and overall reduce the risk of developing further complications from these conditions. With its numerous benefits, football is more of medicine than just a sport for those suffering from these conditions.

How Football helps in the management of Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure often leads to heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases if left untreated.

Exercise such as football can help to lower blood pressure by regulating heart rhythms, increasing blood flow, and thereby reducing the risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, football is often a team sport, and engaging with others socially can significantly benefit an individual’s mental and emotional wellbeing, thereby reducing hypertension risk factors as those are partly stress-related.

A recent study has shown that blood pressure reduces significantly after a football match, half as effective as taking blood pressure medication 1 hour before the football game.

Over time, regular participation in football can reduce resting blood pressure and can lower the risk of developing hypertension. This, however, should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with hypertension who may have additional health risks.

Football helps in the management of Diabetes Type-2

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 463 million adults worldwide have diabetes, with around 90% of them being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use insulin correctly.

Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of blood sugar (glucose) in the blood. As such, one of the best ways to control diabetes is to regulate blood sugar levels. Exercise, like football, helps in that regard.

Football is an excellent form of exercise for people with Diabetes-2. Regular physical activity allows the body to use glucose for energy, reducing glucose stored in the liver and bloodstream.

Physical activity helps to improve cardiovascular and muscular function, boost insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. In turn, it lowers blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of diabetes complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.

Other Benefits of Football for Hypertension and Diabetes Type-2 Patients

Football offers numerous physical and psychological benefits beyond the management of hypertension and Diabetes Type-2:.

Weight Management

Football is an excellent workout routine that helps in weight loss by burning body fat and building muscle mass. The sport helps individuals achieve their weight loss goals by increasing their metabolic rate and reducing their food cravings.

As a result, losing weight can help reduce hypertension and the risk of developing diabetes.

Increase Bone Mass

Football allows the body to build bone density and strength in a way that many other exercises cannot.

Strong bones and muscles are less prone to injuries, which can occur frequently among older adults suffering from hypertension and diabetes Type-2 due to their weakened bones and muscles.

Psychological Well-being

Football can reduce anxiety, depression and other psychological issues related to stress. It’s a fun way to release emotional tension and improve the overall emotional and mental health of individuals with hypertension and Diabetes-2.

Additionally, engaging with others during football games can enhance team spirit, social support, and develop interpersonal skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, football is not just a sport, but a medicine for individuals suffering from hypertension and Diabetes Type-2.

The benefits of regular physical activity on the body are plenty, and football, being a team game, also promotes improved mental and emotional health. Anyone looking to improve their health while having fun should consider joining a football team. Nonetheless, it is essential to seek medical advice from healthcare professionals to manage hypertension and Diabetes Type-2 adequately.