Exercise has a positive impact on blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, and certain activities and timing can greatly benefit their health. A study published in The American Journal of Medicine provides a straightforward summary of the advantages of exercise in controlling blood glucose levels.
Dr. Steven Malin, an associate professor at Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences, explains that many people recognize the benefits of exercise but struggle to find the best approach. To address this, the study focused on key factors: the effectiveness of aerobic exercises versus weightlifting, the optimal time of day for exercise, whether exercise should be done before or after meals, and whether weight loss is necessary for benefits.
After analyzing multiple studies, the researchers found important conclusions. Here are the key findings:
Aerobic exercise: Activities like cycling, swimming, and walking that increase heart rate and oxygen consumption help manage blood glucose levels.
Resistance exercise: Working muscles against resistance, such as using dumbbells or resistance bands, improves insulin sensitivity in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Regular movement: Breaking up sitting time and incorporating movement throughout the day positively affects blood glucose control and insulin levels.
Timing matters: Exercising later in the day may result in better blood sugar control and improved insulin sensitivity.
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Dr. Malin emphasizes that any kind of movement is beneficial, and more exercise generally brings greater benefits. Combining aerobic exercise with weightlifting is likely more effective than doing either alone. Interestingly, exercising after a meal may offer slightly more advantages than exercising before a meal. Furthermore, exercise can bring benefits even without significant weight loss, as it helps reduce body fat and increase muscle mass.
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans, and it occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. High blood sugar can lead to serious health issues. However, research shows that increasing insulin sensitivity through exercise can be beneficial. Improved insulin sensitivity allows the body's cells to use blood sugar more effectively, thus reducing blood sugar levels.
Dr. Malin, along with his colleagues, supports the concept of "exercise as medicine" and believes that exercise should be considered a primary therapy. Their study aims to provide practical advice to medical professionals for effectively recommending exercise to control high blood glucose levels.
The researchers involved in the study, including Afsheen Syeda and Daniel Battillo, focused on the importance of exercise in promoting good health. Their research, conducted at Rutgers University, contributes to the understanding of exercise's role in managing Type 2 diabetes.