DIABETES - Exercises to Burn Excess Glucose

Last Updated: Oct 09, 2013 | By Heather Hitchcock

Brisk walking can help to burn excess blood sugar. Photo CreditPixland/Pixland/Getty Images

Regular exercise can help your body respond better to insulin, which can lower blood sugar levels. Exercise can lower blood glucose and possibly reduce the amount of medication you need to treat diabetes or even eliminate the need for medication. This is beneficial for everyone -- not just diabetics -- because excess blood sugar levels can contribute to weight gain.

Diabetics

Diabetics need to take special precautions before beginning an exercise program. Prior to exercising, discuss with your doctor the type of exercise you will be doing. Additionally it is crucial to track your blood sugar before, during and after exercise. Your records will reveal how your body responds to exercise and will help to prevent potentially dangerous blood sugar fluctuations. Beginners to exercise should start out slowly and gradually increase exercise duration and intensity over time.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is the most effective way to burn excess blood sugar from the body. For maximum benefit, aerobic exercise should be done at least three to five times a week, for 20 to 30 minutes each time. Beginners may find it easier to space out aerobic exercise throughout the day into shorter burst such as two 15-minute sessions, or three 10-minute sessions, instead of completing it all at once.

Low-Impact Exercise

Low impact exercise is the safest form of aerobic exercise for diabetics to perform. Exercises might include brisk walking, working on an elliptical trainer or low impact aerobics. Some diabetics may have trouble with foot neuropathy may prefer nonimpact aerobic exercise such as swimming or stationary cycling. No matter what exercise you choose, it is important remain physically active throughout the day. Regular activity is what reduces blood sugar levels.

Anaerobic Exercise

Anaerobic exercise -- exercise performed in shorter duration such as weightlifting or sprinting -- is not as effective at burning excess blood sugar as aerobic exercise, but it is beneficial in reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass. Strength training two to three times a week can increase muscle mass, which can raise your metabolism, thus helping to burn excess blood sugar.

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/