Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90 per cent of cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. The condition may be caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin. But doing exercise could help to lower your risk of developing diabetes or high blood sugar symptoms. One of the best exercises you should do every day to prevent the condition is tennis, it’s been claimed.
Aerobic exercise helps your body use insulin better
American Diabetes Association
Tennis is a type of aerobic activity that’s particular beneficial to diabetes patients, said the American Diabetes Association.
Aerobic exercise improves insulin resistance, while also lowering blood sugar levels, it said.
For the largest benefits, try not to go more than two days without exercising, and aim for five workout days in a single week.
“Aerobic exercise helps your body use insulin better,” said the American Diabetes Association.
“It makes your heart and bones strong, relieves stress, improves blood circulation, and reduces your risk for heart disease by lowering blood glucose and blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.
“Some examples of aerobic activities [include] brisk walking, dancing, swimming, playing tennis, [and] hiking.
“We recommend aiming for 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise at least five days a week, or a total of 150 minutes per week.
“If your busy schedule doesn’t allow you to exercise for a 30-minute period during the day, you have the option to break it up into bouts of 10 minutes or more. Research has shown that the health benefits are similar when you do this.”
Playing tennis could also help to strengthen some of your core muscle groups, added LloydsPharmacy. It’ll burn calories, improve reflexes and benefit your cardiovascular health.
All diabetes patients should also consider doing regular strength training, said the American Diabetes Association.
The exercises make your body more sensitive to insulin, it said. Good examples of strength training include lifting life weights, and using free weights at the gym.
Symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a common life-long health condition. There are 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 500,000 who are living undiagnosed with the condition
A classic symptom of diabetes can lead to rapid weight loss
Regularly exercising will also help patients to lose weight, which subsequently helps to lower the risk of high blood sugar.
If you are trying to lose weight, you may have to do closer to 60 minutes of aerobic activity in a single day.
Many people may have diabetes without even knowing it, because the symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
Common diabetes symptoms include tiredness, feeling very thirsty, and passing more urine than normal.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the symptoms of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.
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