Active muscles receive more glucose

Physical activity is such an important component in the implementation of decreased blood glucose levels (BGLs) in the management of the diabetic condition.  Research into the effects of the lowering of BGLs demonstrates that when we exercise, our working muscles receive more glucose. Hence our active muscles become more sensitive to the insulin. The more active your muscles are working helps the glucose to flow more easily into your muscle cells reducing BGL and improving insulin sensitivity.

Active muscles leads to reduction in cholesterol levels and blood pressure

According to studies on regular physical activity regular activity has a major impact on muscle and bone strength and this in turn impacts positively on the efficiency of our heart and lungs. The flow on effect is a reduction on cholesterol levels and a reduction in blood pressure. Overall we know that an increase in physical activity will help to improve us both physically and mentally.

Hence choosing to increase your physical activity into your lifestyle is a good step in the right direction for better health. However it is recommended to check with your doctor first in regards to making those changes to your usual lifestyle. Discussing all of your medical history such as heart and lung problems or any pain you may feel when you do physical activity is essential. 

Plan on exercising more? Be sure to check in with your doctor first

If you are given the all clear by your GP to start to increase your level of activity, it is important to start slowly and record your progress.  Writing down your plan of activity helps you to monitor your progress and this can then be discussed with the GP or your diabetic educator. It may include your walks to the shops, walking in the park or just taking the stairs instead of the lift. There are many ways you can increase activity and it is recommended to look at how you could increase those ways slowly and gradually.

Remember that you can do sessions of 10 minutes which can be incorporated into your activities of your daily life. It is recommended that all persons should accumulate 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week for better health. For more information about diabetes and physical activity you can find information on the latest research on the Diabetes Australia website. 

References
Diabetes Australia website
Richard M. Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and physical Activity June 25 2002