The Effects Exercise has on Diabetes

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I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of five; my physician explained to me how important it was for me to keep my blood sugar levels under control. I didn’t realize until recently how beneficial exercising can be for me, and other diabetics as well. Those who suffer from diabetes can benefit from exercise; however, there are still risks involved.
Before discussing how exercise affects diabetes it is important for one to know what diabetes is. “Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism-the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy”(Gerdes 13). There are two different types of diabetes, type I and type II. Type I diabetics are insulin dependent; their bodies produce little or no insulin (Beaser and Hill 8). Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults. Type I diabetes is unpreventable, while type II can be prevented or delayed. Although type II diabetes can be diagnosed at any age, it is usually diagnosed in adulthood, but recently more children have been diagnosed. Both types of diabetes pose a risk for serious complications. “Diabetes remains the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure. It also continues to be a critical risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and foot or leg amputations”(Diabetes: Differences).
Exercise is incredibly beneficial to diabetics by helping them control their blood glucose levels, and increasing insulin sensitivity. “Glucose is the fuel the muscles use to keep you going”(American Diabetes 275). I know from personal experience that exercise makes a big difference in a diabetic’s blood sugar levels. Exercise helps lower diabetics A1C. A1C is a lab test that measures the average blood sugar levels over a period of two to three months...

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