Regular readers know that eat less; move more; live longer is one of the mantras of this blog. Sadly, most folks do exactly the opposite. I exercise daily for mental and physical fitness. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to learn how exercise is very important in managing Type 2 diabetes.
Here is what WebMD had to say on the subject:
“Exercise helps control Type 2 diabetes by:
• Improving your body’s use of insulin
• Burning excess body fat, helping to decrease and control weight (decreased body fat results in improved insulin sensitivity)
• Improving muscle strength
• Increasing bone density and strength
• Lowering blood pressure
• Helping to protect against heart and blood vessel disease by lowering ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol
• Improving blood circulation and reducing your risk of heart disease
• Increasing energy level and enhancing work capacity
• Reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and releasing tension and anxiety.”
A study from Harvard showed that the benefits of weight training and aerobic exercise were independent of each other. Participants reduced their risk of diabetes by only doing one, but the combined effects were greater, it was found.
Last, but not least, I want to remind you that exercise benefits the brain as much as the body. Please check out the link at the top of the page “Important Facts About Your Brain” for further information. It does help to guard against memory loss and dementia in later life.
Tony
Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger 