The experts all agree; exercise can be an effective, self-regulating method for managing diabetes, especially type 2, the most common. Diabetes mellitus manifests as one of two types:Type 1 and Type 2. With Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin (insulin deficiency) to manage blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes, in which blood sugar is constantly high, is the result of the body's resistance to insulin at the cellular level, which is produced in sufficient amounts.

In a study, published by the American Diabetes Association, "The Effect of Qi-Gong Relaxation Exercise on the Control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus" (Diabetes Care 25:241-242, 2002 American Diabetes Association, Inc.) , a significant finding of the study said: " Because obese patients benefited more and the significant decrease in C-peptide was demonstrated in this study, Qi-gong may improve insulin resistance. On the other hand, several studies described the effects of relaxation training for type 2 diabetes ..; thus, Qi-gong can improve glucose metabolism by the benefits of relaxation response. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Qi-gong relaxation exercise may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for individuals with type 2 diabetes." I think this finding is important for a number of reasons; it suggests factors which are inter-related, and cause a downward spiral in general health. The spiral may start with one or more of the conditions: type 1 or 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Any of these conditions can cause a sedentary lifestyle, in which recreational or emotional eating is a part, and can lead to any one or both of the other conditions. As activity decreases, the conditions will probably worsen, as the conditions worsen, life will become more stressful.

Type 1 diabetes, an immune deficiency disorder, cannot be prevented, but can be managed with medication, diet, and exercise. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand, is thought to be preventable and manageable. How? Your doctor can help you detect pre-diabetic conditions: ask. If the pre-diabetic conditions are detected, you doctor will recommend lifestyle changes.The changes recommended will be profoundly simple, but agonizingly difficult in the beginning: Diet and Exercise. In the previous paragraph, reference was made to benefits found by obese patients, it is well known that obesity is a set-up for heart problems and type 2 diabetes. Diet of course, will consider both types and amounts of food consumed.

Exercise improves the uptake of glucose, helps to control blood sugar levels. Exercise will help produce muscle cells to replace the fat stored in your body: muscle uses more sugar. "Exercise helps you lose weight or maintain your weight by burning calories...If you have Type 2 diabetes, exercise helps to increase the sensitivity of your body cells to insulin. With this increased sensitivity, your own insulin works better and your blood sugar levels get better. When exercise is done at least every other day it is more likely to have this effect. Exercising regularly and following a meal plan may get your blood sugars in the target range without medication." University of Iowa Healthcare Hospitals & Clinics, "Diabetes and Exercise", http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/diabetes/diabetesandexercise.html.

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