Diabetes and Light Exercise
The Effects of Light Exercise on
Type 2 Diabetes
What are the benefits of walking on Type 2 Diabetes?
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that is associated with high levels of blood sugar, insulin resistance, and a relative lack of insulin in the body. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to an abundance of complications.
Glucose Levels
According to a study done by Fritz and Rosenqvist, a 30-minute walk produced a significant acute reduction of blood glucose levels in elderly type 2 diabetes patients. This short contribution to physical activity will allow individuals with type 2 diabetes to manage their chronic illness and enhance their quality of life.
(Fritz, 2001)
Interval Walking
Interval walking is a form of exercise that alternates between fast and slow walking.
Interval walking has shown the following outcomes in type 2 diabetics:
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Increase in VO2 max by 16.1%,
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Decrease in fat mass by 10.8%
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Decrease in visceral fat by 10.6%
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Decrease in fasting insulin by 19.5%
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Decrease in glucose concentrations by 8.5%
(Hamasaki, 2016)
References
Hamasaki, H. (2016). Daily physical activity and type 2 diabetes: A review. World Journal of Diabetes, 7(12), 243-251. doi:10.4239/wjd.v7.i12.243
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Fritz, T., & Rosenqvist, U. (2001). Walking for exercise - immediate effect on blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 19(1), 31-33. doi:10.1080/02813430120463