Physical activity is crucial for leading a healthy life. Exercise helps maintain a proper body weight, keep fit and prevent disease.
But what do we do when we are unfortunate enough to be afflicted by disease? Say for instance, diabetes?
Do we give up all hope in physical activity and put our faith solely in the capabilities of medication?
The obvious answer is no. In fact, both the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise recently praised exercise and its benefits in combating and controlling both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
According to ACE, when dealing with type 1 diabetes, physical activity primarily helps?by increasing insulin receptor sensitivity, reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and improving functional capacity.
ACE also states exercise is vital for type 2 diabetics, since it reduces both weight and cholesterol levels and thus the risk for heart disease.
In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control, being physically active can prevent blood-flow problems, which can reduce the resk of heart disease, as well as the risk of nerve damage. These health problems can be prevalent among those who suffer from diabetes.
ACSM also recently concluded that, although physical activity is underused in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, its role in managing the disease is undeniable and should therefore be used in any case where the individual is able to regularly perform moderate levels of physical activity.
However, diabetics should not follow just any exercise plan. As with any at-risk population, it is important to consult a doctor to obtain permission before starting a workout routine.
Certain workout regimens that are suitable for the general population are unsafe for people with diabetes.
ACE also recommends that diabetics use the following guidelines when partaking in physical activity.
A Colorado State University research project adds a new dimension to the way scientists look at diabetes.
Andre Ptitsyn, the lead researcher in the project discovered that stress on a person’s metabolism caused by a lack of oxygen forces genes to change the way the body converts energy over time. The change can eventually lead to type II diabetes.
This is a breakthrough compared to current beliefs that defective genes predispose some people to develop diabetes.
Healthy people’s genes might function differently and eventually begin to resist insulin because cells don’t get enough oxygen during metabolism-related functions.
“Stop eating carbohydrates! Cure Type 2 diabetes!” That’s the message being spread by a family doctor, stirring up controversy in the medical community. It’s not hope the American Diabetes Association is encouraging. But, minimizing carbohydrates does play a role in lowering the risks of progression of diabetes.
Like the weather, StormTeam Meteorologist John Dissauer’s lifestyle is now constantly changing. “I’ve always been a big carb eater. I love pasta! I love bread! I’ve always been brought up, you eat bread or pasta to fill yourself up,” said Dissauer.
But, that diet full of carbohydrates, brought a diagnosis of diabetes.
Dr. Joe Chehade, a diabetic specialist said, “Carbohydrates is gonna help you to put weight on, and that’s how you’re gonna end up with especially what we call Type 2 diabetes in adults.”
Is a prescription to remove carbs from the diet a cure? Chehade said that’s the wrong message to send patients, “There is no, unfortunately, up to now, I wish, a cure for Type 2 diabetes or Type 1 diabetes. Medication, diet, and lifestyle changes together can delay the progression.”
John is managing his disease by eating smaller portions of carbs, down to 280 grams a day. “I might have 30 carbs for my breakfast, 30 carbs for a snack, 60 to 75 for lunch, 30 for another snack in the afternoon, and then 90 for dinner,” said John.
“You can still be a diabetic on diet only with very good sugar control, but you’re not cured from diabetes,” explained Chehade.
“Insulin may still have to be an option for me because we’re still not sure if I’m Type 2. We’re kind of leaning towards Type 1. As I like to tell my doctor, let’s just call it type 1.2. I don’t want to admit to Type 1 just yet, cause I know what that brings,” said John.
In Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder can lead to a lifetime of daily insulin injections.