The Magic of Exercise for Diabetics

By Vicki Kron –

Here are the questions you have been asking about exercise:

• Why do I have to exercise?
• Why is exercise so important for Diabetics?
• I’ve lost weight in the past without much exercise, so why should I do it now?
• I’m really not into weight lifting. Those big muscles don’t interest me at all.
• I don’t like to exercise, I’d rather do anything else than exercise.

My answers are always the same. Exercise has been proven to be one of the best diabetes management tools that we have. Adding exercise to your daily routine will actually surprise you and you will be managing and controlling your diabetes better than ever before.  Exercise is under your control. Taking back some control of your body does wonders for your self-satisfaction.  Daily exercise will show you the most dramatic changes in your diabetes.

• Exercise is the cheapest Diabetes medicine you’ll find
• Exercise is more effective at combating diabetes than any other medicine
• Exercise allows your blocked insulin receptors to begin working again
• Exercise firms and tones your body
• Exercise helps prevent wrinkles and sagging skin
• Exercise helps increase blood circulation to the extremities
• Exercise will help you live longer and healthier
• You get to choose the best time for your exercise
• You choose what exercises to do
• Exercise makes you feel wonderful

Exercise can reduce your body’s insulin requirements in many ways. Exercise increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin.  One of the biggest problems most Type II Diabetics have is an over abundance of insulin output, but the cell receptors that accept the insulin are not working correctly. Instead of lowering your blood sugar, that insulin is grabbing the sugar and making more fat cells and adding to your existing fat cells. This is why you cannot lose weight when your diabetes is out of control.

With exercise you will be able to lower the blood glucose levels in your body, which can possibly reduce the amount of medication you need in order to treat and manage the disease.  If you have type 2 diabetes, exercising regularly can even eliminate the need for constant medication, especially if you accompany exercise with a healthy eating plan.

A healthy eating plan for diabetics is one that EXCULDES grains (sprouted grains are OK, and the best bread substitute you can eat) and all sugar.  This includes pasta, potatoes, rice, any bread except sprouted grain bread, cookies, cakes, most types of crackers, candies, syrups, honey, molasses, agave (very high in fructose and disastrous for diabetics) and most ingredients that end in “ose”.

Through exercise, you will also be able to improve circulation, especially in the legs and arms.  Improving circulation and reducing the chance of infection are two very important pieces of the Magic of Exercise for Diabetics.

Stress reduction is one of the biggest benefits of an exercise program.  Just get up and get moving. Exercise helps dispel the “blues”.

The next step is knowing the right exercises for diabetics. Walking, swimming and cycling are all good places to begin. Make sure that you wear proper fitting shoes in order to prevent injuries on the feet. Scott and Angie Tousignant have a great site to learn how to exercise.  Go there for lots of free and good information. Remember, before you start exercising, it is wise to consult your doctor first.

Through exercise, you will be able to manage your disease effectively and live a full and normal life.  Do it now, it’s a wonderful way to start 2011!

Vicki Kron is a Weight Loss Coach and Type II Diabetes Specialist, an internet author and writes a blog.  She teaches diabetics how to transform their lives by learning to control and manage their diabetes as well as how to lose weight and keep it off forever.  Vicki was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 2007.  She has lost over 50 pounds and has kept it off since then.  She keeps her diabetes under control with diet, exercise and oral medicine.  She helps other diabetics achieve their weight loss and diabetic management goals.  For more information please visit her blog at: http://www.diabeticweightlosssuccess.com/