Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition that affects how the body processes sugar (glucose). This is due to an insufficient amount of insulin being produced within the body, or the body not being able to use insulin effectively.
When we eat carbohydrates (found in wholegrain foods, dairy, vegetables), our digestive system breaks down the carbohydrates into glucose, the glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream, and insulin assists glucose in moving from the bloodstream into muscles where it is used for energy.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas, which is an organ that sits next to the stomach. When there is a lack of insulin being produced by the pancreas, or when the body cannot use insulin effectively, glucose stays in the bloodstream and elevated glucose levels over a long period of time can cause damage to the blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and heart.
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas does not produce insulin. This form of diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood but can develop at any age. Type 1 diabetes is managed with medications such as insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage insulin levels.
127,000 Australians have type 1 diabetes, which represents 10% of all diabetes diagnoses.
Type 2 Diabetes is usually diagnosed later in life and occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the cells within the body do not respond to insulin as effectively. Type 2 diabetes can be managed with medication or insulin injections, healthy eating and regular exercise.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes as 1.2 million Australians are currently living with Type 2 Diabetes, and it is estimated that a further 500,000 Australians are undiagnosed.
How can exercise help for Type 2 Diabetes?
Whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or if you are wanting to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, regular exercise can help to improve your health, manage diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.
Regular exercise can help to increase insulin sensitivity, which means that cells within your body can use insulin more effectively, moving more glucose out of the bloodstream and into the muscles to create energy.
Resistance training (also known as strength training) helps to make your muscles stronger and larger. An increase in muscle size means that the muscles use more glucose to create energy, helping to lower blood glucose levels.
Aerobic training (also known as Cardiovascular exercise or cardio) helps to keep the heart and lungs fit and healthy. Aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming lasting 30 minutes or more can help to reduce blood glucose levels.
To gain the most benefit, a combination of resistance and aerobic exercise is recommended.
Positive effects of exercise can last up to 48-72 hours after your exercise session!
Elevated blood glucose levels over a long period of time can cause damage to the heart, eyes, blood vessels, nerves and kidneys. This can lead to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy, kidney disease, blindness, poor wound healing and amputation.
It is important to note that exercise has an insulin-like effect, meaning it lowers blood glucose levels. People that are taking insulin-lowering medications can be at a high risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) during and after exercising. It’s important to seek the advice of an exercise professional, such as an Exercise Physiologist
If you want to better manage your diabetes and experience the benefits that regular exercise has to offer, make an appointment with one of the NorthWest Health and Performance Exercise Physiologists today!