Why Does Physical Activity Matter?
Being physically active is just as important as taking your prescribed medication or testing your blood sugar.
Exercise (planned and structured physical activity) and a minimum of 10,000 steps (physical activity) not only improves your blood glucose levels but also helps with weight loss, and improves your general well-being
What Is The Difference Between Physical Activity And Exercise?
Physical activity includes any movement that increases energy use. Exercise is planned and structured physical activity.
Increasing physical activity does not have to mean going to the gym or working out every day.
How Does Being Physically Active Help?
• Benefits of being physically active include:
• Weight loss, if needed
• Decreasing risks of Diabetic Complications
• Better sleep
• Improved Mood
• Improved Memory
• Control of blood pressure
• Moderately lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol
How Does Physical Activity Affect Glucose Levels?
There are two ways physical activity directly affects blood glucose in the short-term.
During physical activity and exercise, muscle contractions allow cells to take up glucose without insulin for a short time. This lowers your blood glucose levels even when insulin is not available.
During and after physical activity or exercise, your insulin sensitivity increases. Your muscle cells are then better able to use insulin, which helps to move glucose into the muscle cell.
In the long-term, regular physical activity and exercise can greatly improve your A1c levels.
Leave a Reply