Walking can help Type 2 Diabetes
First, what is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot process it properly. This process is normally carried out by a vital hormone known as insulin, which is produced naturally in the body by the pancreas and it helps the glucose enter the cells where it is used as a fuel by the body.
Type 1 Diabetes: this usually develops before the age of 40 and is the least common form of the disease. It occurs when the body is unable to produce any insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: this usually develops after the age of 40, is generally associated with being overweight and accounts for the majority of all people suffering from the disease. The body can make some insulin, but not enough and sometimes the insulin produced just doesn’t work properly.
Recent research
Research carried out at Newcastle University in the UK by Dr Michael Trenell and Professor Roy Taylor has discovered that having a brisk walk for 45 minutes each day can significantly improve Type 2 Diabetes by burning off more fat, which helps to control blood glucose levels.
In the study, which was funded by Diabetes UK, ten people with Type 2 diabetes were paired with a control group of people of a similar height, weight and age who did not have diabetes. Each of them were given a pedometer and asked to walk over 10,000 steps a day.
Afterwards an MRI scan revealed that the extra walking burned off around 20% more fat. This increases the ability of the muscles to store sugar and helps to control this form of diabetes.
Dr Michael Trenell said “Even in this limited eight-week period we could see that people with Type 2 diabetes were processing energy more efficiently.”
Other advantages
The advantages of controlling this condition by activities such as walking means that there will be less chance of developing long-term more serious complications. Also exercise can reduce the chance of heart disease which is common with people who have diabetes.
And a Warning
Make sure you check with your doctor before taking part in any new exercise regime, even if it is just walking. You need to be careful that your blood sugar level doesn’t get too low after exercising. Your doctor will be able to tell you what your blood sugar level should be both before and after exercising and will tell you how much you should do. Also be careful if you take exercise in very hot or cold conditions as the outside temperatures affect how your body absorbs insulin.
Sources and further information:
July 31st, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I noticed you came over to my site. I’ve been looking through many of the articles, and am very impressed by how informative your blog is. I shall be sure to check back often!
August 1st, 2008 at 3:45 am
Thanks for sharing information that is near and dear to my heart. Walking was what started me on my road to health.
August 1st, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Thanks for a very informative blog. Walking has so many amazing health benefits and your blog highlights yet another reason why walking is important to prevent disease and improve the conditions of those who may already have diabetes.
It’s never to late to start walking!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:25 am
The thing about type 2 Diabetes is that it is almost 100% PREVENTABLE! That is what most doctor’s don’t tell people BEFORE it becomes a concern. Type 2 diabetes is caused by an overactive pancreas that has been asked to respond to abnormal amounts of sugar over a lifetime. The body has been exposed to so much insulin that it becomes resistant.
Solution… yes walk, but regulate the sugar and refined carbs you consume, and take them in balance with fiber and protein. Try whole unprocessed foods and exercise!
You’ve got an amazing blog. I would love it if you would pop over to the Be Naturally Well community and leave your link so my readers can find you. Forums will be up and running soon.
Link here http://www.benaturallywell.com/blog/add-your-blog/
Many Blessings,
Shelley (R.N.)
August 5th, 2008 at 2:23 am
I asked my mom to read this article : http://www.informativepost.com/2008/07/28/Five-Benefits-of-Fitness-1525.htm and she won’t even exercise. But then I printed out yours, and she realizes what I’m trying to do.
Thank you very much for this amazing blog..