Why Does Exercise Help My Diabetes?

Sometimes, it may seem easier to pop a pill or even take a shot than to put on your walking shoes and hit the trail. But the truth is that exercise, in combination with a healthy diet, is one of the best things you can do to take care of yourself if you have diabetes. Recent studies even indicate exercise and a healthy diet manage diabetes better than any medications!

Exercise burns calories, which will help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Regular exercise can help your body respond to insulin and is known to be effective in managing blood glucose.
Exercise can lower blood glucose and possibly reduce the amount of medication you need to treat diabetes, or even eliminate the need for medication.
Exercise can improve your circulation, especially in your arms and legs, where people with diabetes can have probles.
Exercise can help reduce your cholesterol and high blood pressure. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Exercise helps reduce stress, which can raise your glucose level.
It can lower your risk for heart disease, reduce your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure.
In some people, exercise combined with a meal plan, can control Type 2 Diabetes without the need for medications.