Sunday, 29 November 2009
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Regular Exercise Can Cut Diabetes Risk Factors
Get some exercise every few days could dramatically cut the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
According to researchers at the Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, say they found that brief but intense exercise every day or two may help reduce the risk of diabetes. People with higher than average risk for type 2 diabetes are those who are overweight and people who are not physically active.
Type 2 diabetes — where people gradually lose the ability to use insulin, a hormone crucial to converting glucose into energy — accounts for most cases. It’s increasing at epidemic proportions as Americans get older, fatter and less active.
The researchers found that people can reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 50%, simply by accumulating one hour of moderate physical activity per day. This exercise can be incorporated into daily life as easily as walking up and down the stairs at work or by commuting via bicycle.
The researchers note that moderate exercise, exemplified by brisk walking, accumulated throughout the day, can lower risk of type 2 diabetes in women by nearly 50%.
The activity can come from a variety of sources throughout the day: walking to the bus stop in the morning, taking the stairs at work, or running errands.
Physical activity helps to reduce risk of Type 2 Diabetes two different ways. The first, Physical activity often reduces bodyweight. Overweight is related to a higher risk of diabetes, so losing weight cuts risk. Secondly, physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to make better use of its own insulin.
Exercise adds life to your years! It will not only keep you in shape, but you will feel better and enjoy life more. As well as the many benefits mentioned above, by keeping you fit, exercise will help you stay more independent.
Do you know anyone with diabetes - or do you have it yourself? What are other ways to help lower the risk of diabetes?
Post contributed from www.WomanMagz.com.
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Comments (5)
This just in: Exercise reduces the risk of everything.
@niceBrice@xanga - Except exercise-related injuries.
@NikBv@xanga - Yes, in a way, but I bet people who don't normally exercise are more likely to get injured when they finally do exercise. Like if they get chased or something, haha.
All the normal stuff reduces your risk for (Type II) diabetes: exercise, eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, staying away from saturated fats and cholesterol like in animal products, not smoking or drinking to excess, not being constantly stressed, etc.
@niceBrice@xanga & @NikBv@xanga - Haha, very nice, both of you.
...yeah.