Pre-diabetics who want to avoid or delay the onset of diabetes should know that exercise has been show to play a major role in its prevention and control. Both aerobic and strength training help improve insulin action so that, in the short term, your body is able to use insulin more effectively. In addition, physical activity allows your muscles to use the glucose in your blood without the need for insulin activity. This can help to lower your blood sugar.
Since the effect is short term, in order to maintain improvement, diabetics and pre-diabetics shouldn’t go more than two days in a row without exercise. Aerobic exercise should be in increments of at least 10 minutes and should add up to 150 minutes a week.
When exercising, diabetics should be sure to:
- monitor glucose levels before and after exercise according to the directions of a healthcare provider
- drink plenty of fluids
- watch for signs of low blood sugar
- keep a fast-acting carbohydrate snack or drink on hand.