New and old studies show that exercise is an effective way to manage blood sugar control for people with diabetes, prediabetes and those that are looking to prevent diabetes. Dr. Brannigan https://branniganchiropractic.com/about/, an Orland Park Chiropractor, helps patients to ready themselves for gentle exercise programs. It can help to improve insulin sensitivity, which means that the body can use insulin more effectively to absorb glucose from the blood. It can also help to reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

Types of Exercise that Help

There are several different types of exercise that can help to lower blood sugar levels, including aerobic exercise, strength training, and yoga. Aerobic exercise is generally the most effective type of exercise for lowering blood sugar levels in the short term. It can help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Strength training can also help to lower blood sugar levels, while also lowering your insulin levels and building muscle to help insulin sensitivity over time. Yoga can help to improve blood sugar control and potentially be useful for fall prevention.  Combining all of the above is the best triple pronged attack on becoming your healthiest version of you in 2024 and beyond.

Studies Say

Several recent studies have shown that exercise can be an effective way to lower blood sugar levels. One study showed that people who exercised for 30 minutes, five days a week, were able to reduce their blood sugar levels by an average of 15%. Another study showed that people who exercised for 60 minutes, three days a week, were able to reduce their blood sugar levels by an average of 20%.  Walking is a great first step, but more vigorous and advanced exercising helps the sugar control even more.  One study showed that cycling reduced glucose levels by 44%.  Dr. Brannigan’s top choice therefore is cycling  once he approves your body https://branniganchiropractic.com/conditions-treated/ is ready for more vigorous exercise.

It is important to talk to your Orland Park Chiropractor doctor before starting any new exercise program. Your doctor can help you to determine the best type of exercise for you. In addition, how much exercise you should do and intensity.  Dr. Joseph Brannigan, an Orland Park Chiropractor suggests starting much slower than you would imagine. Use a heart rate monitor so that your heart rate is literally hardly budging, for instance, 20- 30 beats above your resting heart rate.  Little improvements over time mean more to your health than blasting through pain and discomfort.

 Tips to increase safety, if you have diabetes:

• Check your blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise.
• Eat a snack before exercise if your blood sugar level is low.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Drink plenty of fluids. (Hours before, during and afterward)
• Stop exercising if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• Tell your Orland Park Chiropractor if you experience any problems with your blood sugar levels while exercising.

Regular exercise is an important part of diabetes management.  It can help to control blood sugar levels, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of complications from diabetes.  Dr. Brannigan https://branniganchiropractic.com/meet-dr-joe-brannigan/ recommends, “If we are going to be on the planet for 80-100 years, I want you to be able to enjoy and move throughout those years.”

To Your Health,

Dr. Joseph Brannigan

Brannigan Chiropractic Center

Orland Park Chiropractor

Exercise and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Volume 62, Issue 2, March 2019, Pages 98-103