Su Rollins, a fellow blogger, sent me a guest post on hypoglycemia and exercise. Here it is:
What effect does exercise have on glucose levels?
Did you know that you can easily manage your diabetes just by engaging in exercise? There are exercises that have a good effect on the glucose levels of those suffering from type 2 diabetes. When you engage in exercise, you expend a lot of energy from the glucose found in your muscles. At first, the body simply uses up the glucose which is traced from your muscles’ glycogen. It is in your bloodstream where this glucose is found. Engaging in exercise means your blood glucose levels will not get lower. Additionally, your body also releases additional glucagon and hormones. These are important because they break down your liver’s stored fats, turning it into more glucose you can expend. Engaging in exercise means your body improves; it develops a better sensitivity when it comes to insulin, as well as allowing you to be more in control of your glycemic index.
Why is the effect of exercise on glucose levels important to those with type 2 diabetes?
It was already mentioned that exercise will have a great effect on your glucose levels. This is very, very important, especially for people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. There have been many published research pointing to patients’ better control of glycemic as soon as exercise becomes a regular routine for them. Meanwhile, patients who do not exercise at all or enough show no improvement. Again, there is an improvement in one’s insulin sensitivity through exercise. The benefit of this is in needing fewer doses of medicine for controlling and managing your blood sugar levels.
Should patients with type 2 diabetes exercise more often or differently than otherwise healthy people?
There are times when type 2 diabetes sufferers are prone to hypoglycemia, which is a condition that can develop out of exercise. This is both after as well as during the exercise routine itself. But at the same time, patients who exercise poor management of their diabetic condition may also be high risk when it comes to hyperglycemia.
What type of exercise is best for type 2 diabetes patients?
Usually, it is more about the frequency of exercise that comes into play rather than the type of exercise. More benefits may be gotten from aerobic activity and weight training combined.
When should patients be discouraged from exercising?
There are times when you one shouldn’t exercise, especially if you are at risk for cardiac conditions. It is best to start slowly and tentatively just to be safe.
How might a patient be encouraged to exercise?
Encourage patients to start with small changes to their normal routine, like taking the stairs and not the elevator. Suggest activities that the patient finds enjoyable and convenient. Participation in several different activities may keep patients from becoming bored and losing interest. Having a partner or personal trainer can also help patients stay motivated.
About the Author: Su Rollins writes for reactive hypoglycemia diet, her personal hobby blog focused on tips to prevent and cure hypoglycemia using the right diet and nutrition.
If you enjoy my posts, please consider a small donation to the Fat Head Kids GoFundMe campaign.
Su wrote:
“What type of exercise is best for type 2 diabetes patients?
Usually, it is more about the frequency of exercise that comes into play rather than the type of exercise. More benefits may be gotten from aerobic activity and weight training combined.”
Has she missed entirely the whole Fred Hahn, Doug McGuff, Mike Eades, Primal-everything, etc., etc. “slow but high-intensity exercise / don’t do hours of aerobics” thing? Trudging away on a treadmill may (or may not — I don’t know — and she’s not making it clear) be the most healthy exercise for a Type 2, but all the latest stuff I’ve been reading seems to say it is not.
I believe it’s the exercises that really work the muscles — lifting, sprinting, etc. — that do the most good. I always found that long walks were great for my mood, but I’m not sure how much they do for blood-sugar control.
I was on an acne board (I wonder if there is any research correlating carbohydrates and fats to acne. Hmmm. Anyway) and even though I KNOW that carbs break me out, someone had to post this, saying they should be 45-65% of daily energy intake.
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Weight_loss_and_carbohydrates?Open
uugghhnnn… That’s all I can say! uuuggnnn!
Yup, it’s a major load of bologna. A healthy diet must include four servings of bread or cereal? They’re basing that on absolutely nothing.
This is April 3, not April 1, isn’t it?
Su wrote:
“What type of exercise is best for type 2 diabetes patients?
Usually, it is more about the frequency of exercise that comes into play rather than the type of exercise. More benefits may be gotten from aerobic activity and weight training combined.”
Has she missed entirely the whole Fred Hahn, Doug McGuff, Mike Eades, Primal-everything, etc., etc. “slow but high-intensity exercise / don’t do hours of aerobics” thing? Trudging away on a treadmill may (or may not — I don’t know — and she’s not making it clear) be the most healthy exercise for a Type 2, but all the latest stuff I’ve been reading seems to say it is not.
I believe it’s the exercises that really work the muscles — lifting, sprinting, etc. — that do the most good. I always found that long walks were great for my mood, but I’m not sure how much they do for blood-sugar control.
I was on an acne board (I wonder if there is any research correlating carbohydrates and fats to acne. Hmmm. Anyway) and even though I KNOW that carbs break me out, someone had to post this, saying they should be 45-65% of daily energy intake.
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Weight_loss_and_carbohydrates?Open
uugghhnnn… That’s all I can say! uuuggnnn!
Yup, it’s a major load of bologna. A healthy diet must include four servings of bread or cereal? They’re basing that on absolutely nothing.
I’m glad you posted this! I was looking for this type of information for my speech teacher!
This is April 3, not April 1, isn’t it?
I really hope English isn’t that writer’s first language. If it is, that first paragraph might make my head explode if read again.
I’m glad you posted this! I was looking for this type of information for my speech teacher!
I really hope English isn’t that writer’s first language. If it is, that first paragraph might make my head explode if read again.
“There are times when type 2 diabetes sufferers are prone to hypoglycemia, which is a condition that can develop out of exercise.”
So what is your advice for someone who is always hypoglycemic but wants to exercise 3-4 times per week? The above statement makes it sound like exercise will just make my hypoglycemia worse!
It’s Su’s post; I’ll see if she has a reply. My advice, of course, would be to limit your carbs to keep your blood sugar more stable.
“There are times when type 2 diabetes sufferers are prone to hypoglycemia, which is a condition that can develop out of exercise.”
So what is your advice for someone who is always hypoglycemic but wants to exercise 3-4 times per week? The above statement makes it sound like exercise will just make my hypoglycemia worse!
It’s Su’s post; I’ll see if she has a reply. My advice, of course, would be to limit your carbs to keep your blood sugar more stable.
I use kettlebells aka pavel’s kettlebell instruction with wonderful results with my low carb/IF diet lifestyle BUT… many will experience higher BG numbers after exercise and that will upset many. Exercise is a long term solution to control BG and a one that every diabetic should pursue. It is not an insulin burner for short term results. A bonus here is that muscle gain- the growth of muscle mass loves Glucose and that Glucose stays out of the blood stream, etc. And you won’t get muscle bound without serious INTENT so don’t fret over that and use it as an excuse. Strength training is much better than cardio.
I use kettlebells aka pavel’s kettlebell instruction with wonderful results with my low carb/IF diet lifestyle BUT… many will experience higher BG numbers after exercise and that will upset many. Exercise is a long term solution to control BG and a one that every diabetic should pursue. It is not an insulin burner for short term results. A bonus here is that muscle gain- the growth of muscle mass loves Glucose and that Glucose stays out of the blood stream, etc. And you won’t get muscle bound without serious INTENT so don’t fret over that and use it as an excuse. Strength training is much better than cardio.
Hello
I have Hypoglycemia” is exercise bad or good for me. I read good than I read bad so I do not know and I am exercising.
Carol
I believe exercise is good for you, as it helps to control blood sugar. But hypoglycemia is something you should control primarily with diet.
Hello
I have Hypoglycemia” is exercise bad or good for me. I read good than I read bad so I do not know and I am exercising.
Carol
I believe exercise is good for you, as it helps to control blood sugar. But hypoglycemia is something you should control primarily with diet.