2023-08-23 17:41:41
Title: Exercise Can Be a Game Changer in Treating Type 2 Diabetes, Experts Say
Date: [Current Date]
Type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, does not have to be a life sentence filled with medication and restrictions. In fact, experts from the German Diabetes Aid suggest that sport and exercise can play a vital role in the treatment and therapy of type 2 diabetes.
Regular exercise and physical activity are essential for managing diabetes mellitus, according to these experts. For individuals with type 1 diabetes, an active lifestyle can improve their quality of life and reduce the need for insulin. However, the impact is even greater for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, as it may lead to a reduced reliance on medication.
But what exactly is type 2 diabetes? It occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes often require external insulin to stabilize their sugar levels. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the most common causes of type 2 diabetes are obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and an unbalanced diet high in fat and sugar.
The German Diabetes Aid recommends exercise as a primary therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Engaging in physical activity helps reduce body weight, regulate blood pressure, and better control blood sugar levels. It also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption in cells. In fact, regular exercise for at least 30 minutes, two to three times a week, can prevent secondary diseases of diabetes such as cardiovascular disease.
Exercise has shown remarkable results, especially for individuals with “prediabetes,” a condition where insulin resistance is detected before the onset of full-blown type 2 diabetes. Studies indicate that making lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in this group of individuals. “In 60 percent of cases, it was possible to prevent diabetes from developing within five years through a lifestyle change,” says Professor Dr. Baptist Gallwitz, a board member of the German Diabetes Society.
While exercise and a change in diet are highly recommended, the use of diabetes medication may be necessary for some individuals. If exercise and dietary changes do not yield the desired results, diabetes medication can be administered in tablet form or through insulin injections.
In Germany alone, about 7.2 percent of 18 to 79-year-olds have diabetes mellitus, with approximately 90 to 95 percent of them having type 2 diabetes. The impact of exercise and a healthy lifestyle cannot be understated in the management of this prevalent disease.
By encouraging individuals with type 2 diabetes to embrace physical activity and make positive lifestyle changes, we can shift the narrative around this condition, turning it into an opportunity for a healthier and more fulfilling life.]
#movement #bring #breakthrough