Why Does Moving
Matter So Much?
Why Does Moving Matter So Much?
See how the benefits of exercise can really add up for your diabetes health.
Whatever you want to call it—exercise, physical activity, or working out—getting your blood flowing and heart pumping is key to your health and blood sugarBlood sugarOr blood glucose. The main sugar (glucose) found in the blood, and the body’s main source of energy. control. Whether it’s doing more of what you love, or adding activities you haven’t tried yet, a little extra movement can go a long way toward keeping you healthier.
Your doctor or diabetes care teamDiabetes care teamYour diabetes care team may include: a primary care doctor, a diabetes and hormone doctor (endocrinologist), a registered nurse, a diabetes educator, a dietician, a heart doctor (cardiologist), a foot doctor (podiatrist), an eye doctor (ophthalmologist/optometrist), a kidney doctor (nephrologist), a dentist, a pharmacist, and a mental health professional. can help you create a plan that’s right for you and help make sure it’s safe. Be sure to check with them before you start or change your exercise plan.
Moving more can help you manage diabetes by:
- Lowering your blood sugar levels
Moving more can help keep blood sugar within your target range.
- Reducing your need for diabetes medicine
Moving more may help your body become more sensitive to insulinInsulinA hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas that helps sugar move from the blood into the cells. Insulin is also an injectable medicine that is used to treat diabetes by controlling the level of sugar in the blood.. Physical activity helps your muscles burn sugar for energy. That removes sugar from the blood.
Physical activity can also improve your overall health by helping you:
- Manage cholesterol
Regular exercise may help you reduce “bad” (LDL) blood cholesterol and increase “good” (HDL) blood cholesterol.
- Manage weight
Moving more helps your body burn calories, making it easier to manage your weight. Regular physical activity can help you burn body fat and build muscle. This can make your body stronger and increase your energy level.
- Lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke
People with diabetes are at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. Making physical activity a part of your daily routine may help lower that risk.
In addition, certain types of physical activity can also:
- Strengthen bones and muscles
Moving more may lower your risk of thinning bones (osteoporosis) by building bone mass. Your body can become more flexible. And, you may be less likely to hurt yourself during exercise.
- Give you energy and relieve stress
Moving more may help you feel better about your body. It can help increase your sense of well-being too.
- Improve how you look and feel
You may sleep better too.
With all of these benefits, doesn’t trying to move more make sense? Talk to your diabetes care team about ways you can get going.
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There is no downside to getting more exercise. Go for it!
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