The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity as any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure, including actions carried out at work, performing household tasks, traveling and during leisure time. Exercise is a subcategory of physical activity, carried out in a planned, structured and repetitive manner, aiming to improve one or more components of physical conditioning.
Moderate and intense physical activity brings many health benefits, especially to people with diabetes. As we know, type 2 diabetes is caused by several factors, including weight gain. Hence the importance of physical activity and exercise for controlling blood sugar levels.
According to doctor Renato Redorat, from the Department of Exercise and Sport of the Brazilian Diabetes Society (SBD), several studies have shown that regular physical exercise by people with diabetes improves glycemic control, reduces cardiovascular risk factors, contributes to weight loss, boosts fertility and increases well-being.
“Low and medium intensity exercises are recommended for beginners. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, cycling and swimming, with a frequency of five to seven times a week, bring advantages for controlling your blood sugar. Anaerobic exercises , such as bodybuilding and some combat sports, lead to muscle mass gain, which increases glucose burning and improves insulin sensitivity”, teaches the specialist.
During an activity or physical exercise, there is an increase in glucose uptake in the contracting muscle, increasing the number of receptors that will use blood glucose as a source of energy in the muscle.
This way, there will be no excess glucose and it will not lead to weight gain. It is a similar effect to the action of insulin on the uptake of glucose in the muscles, according to the specialist. The doctor warns that higher intensity physical activity can increase blood sugar levels.
“This happens due to the action of insulin counter-regulating hormones (adrenaline, testosterone, growth hormone, among others). If the person has uncontrolled blood sugar levels (blood glucose levels greater than 250 mg/dl), physical activity can increase it and should be avoided until this glucose level drops, especially in people with type 1 diabetes. However, this increase can be prevented with guidance from a professional. Speak to your doctor, physical educator or specialist nutritionist”, recommends Renato Redorat.
