In a recent study, a group of scientists from Karolinska Institutet and other places examined how exercise can help prevent and delay the development of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where our body has trouble using insulin, which is a hormone that helps our cells use glucose (sugar) for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes often have a dysregulated inflammatory response, which can lead to insulin resistance and other health problems.
In this study, the researchers looked at untrained men who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and healthy volunteers who were similar in age and body weight.
They asked them to do a single bout of exercise on a bike and collected blood and muscle samples to see how their bodies responded to exercise.
The researchers found that exercise can activate the immune system in our muscles, and this may be why people with type 2 diabetes respond differently to exercise than healthy people.
People with type 2 diabetes had a stronger immune response to exercise, which produced molecules called cytokines that are linked to inflammation.
However, the researchers also found that regular exercise can help reduce inflammation and improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.
This means that exercise can be a beneficial way to help manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
It’s important to note that exercise should be done regularly and as part of a larger plan for managing type 2 diabetes.
Eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and taking medication if needed are all important steps to help control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
By taking these steps, people with type 2 diabetes can improve their health and reduce their risk of complications.
With more research, we can continue to learn how exercise and other lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes.
How to exercise if you have type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, exercise can be a great way to help manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of complications. However, it’s important to exercise safely and effectively. Here are some tips:
Talk to your doctor: Before starting an exercise program, talk to your doctor about what types of exercise are safe for you and any precautions you should take.
Start slowly: If you’re new to exercise, start with low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration.
Monitor your blood sugar: Check your blood sugar before and after exercise to see how it affects your levels. If your blood sugar is too low (below 70 mg/dL), have a snack before exercising.
Wear comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to reduce the risk of injury.
Include strength training: Strength training, such as lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises, can help improve your insulin sensitivity and overall health.
Consider exercising with a partner: Exercising with a partner can help keep you motivated and accountable.
Remember to listen to your body and stop exercising if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or have any other symptoms. By following these tips, you can safely and effectively exercise with type 2 diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that green tea could help reduce death risk in diabetes, and widely used diabetes drug metformin may reduce cognitive decline.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing common diabetes drugs that can spike heart attack risk.
The study was conducted by Professor Juleen R. Zierath et al and published in the journal Science Advances.
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