Diabetes is a malady that many older people contract. Often times diabetes is a result of being overweight, which can in turn cause other health issues. For those of you who are a diabetic or pre-diabetic we offer some advice on this condition and how fitness activity can improve this condition. Losing weight through diet and exercise can help with diabetes. If you have a lot of weight to lose, you may want to begin with a quick weight loss diet.
The onset of diabetes is due to a lack of insulin production and a resistance of your cells to insulin that is produced. All food is ultimately metabolized into glucose and immediately used for energy or stored in fat cells for later use. The cells of the pancreas produce insulin which helps glucose to travel to the cells where it is used for energy.
When not enough insulin is produced the glucose remains in the blood stream instead of entering the cells, causing the blood sugar level to be elevated. High levels of blood sugar can lead to damage in the organs and other systems of the body. Diabetics frequently suffer with peripheral nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease, and poor wound healing. Two types of diabetes exist, type 1 and type 2, type 2 is far more prevalent.
How exercise can help
Diabetes in the body can set off a cascade of other problems. Seniors with diabetes are often dependent on insulin or, if not, they are taking pills for other conditions that have led to diabetes or have been caused by the diabetic condition. But, diabetes doesn’t have to lead to critical illnesses.
Exercise can help. Even if you already have diabetes, you can still exercise and improve your overall fitness and health. Exercise can even improve your condition to the point where you no longer have to take any medication to control it.
Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight. Those of us who are overweight have a far higher probability of contracting diabetes. Exercise in combination with the proper diet can help to maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce your need for insulin. If you have more than ten pounds to lose, you may want to consider a rapid weight loss diet, to get your weight under control.
Exercise also lowers other elevated levels such as cholesterol and blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to the heart pumping harder to move the blood through the body. Elevated blood pressure puts you at an increased risk for a stroke, heart attach, and kidney malfunction.
You should have a physical examination before starting an exercise routine. The physician can give you advice as to which types of exercises may be appropriate for you. When you begin your workout regimen be aware that it may cause your blood sugar to become too low temporarily. Be sure that you keep a sweet snack readily available for times when your blood sugar drops too low.
You do not have to stop trying to become fit just because you have diabetes. Exercise increases your overall health and can improve your diabetes.
See how you can lose weight in a hurry and keep it of for good at: how to lose weight