Thousands of people are being diagnosed of diabetes annually, and it’s sad that this number is growing. The prime cause for this is an unhealthy diet and less physical activity. These 2 factors are playing a major role in the increase of this disease worldwide. Therefore, it would completely make sense to take up a healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis to reduce the chances of getting or growing your diabetes condition. As they say, precaution is always better than cure.

There are two main diabetes types, namely, Type I and Type II diabetes. In both of these situations, the body fails to regulate or control the blood glucose level. Glucose, a kind of sugar, helps the body gain energy. Normally, a hormone known as insulin keeps a tab on glucose level in your blood and makes sure it’s steady. When you are suffering from diabetes, it means that either your body is not able to produce the required insulin, or the insulin isn’t working properly. This leads to a build up of glucose in your blood and makes you feel sick.

When suffering from Type I diabetes, the body isn’t able to produce enough insulin. This lack of insulin needs to be covered up via injection. This type is serious and its treatment is generally under supervision of a doctor. On the other side of the problem, in Type II diabetes, it gets difficult for your body to properly use the insulin supplied due to the resistance to it. This kind of diabetes occurs mostly when we start to age, since the kidneys turn to function less efficiently and our lifestyle becomes sedentary and unhealthy.

If left untreated, diabetes can wreck havoc, destroying your blood vessels and putting you at risk of serious diseases such as kidneys problems, heart attacks, blood circulation problems, strokes, etc. The good news is, Type II diabetes can be brought under control with a healthy diet and daily exercise.

Exercise mainly helps in increasing the efficiency and sensitivity of insulin. Studies have shown that physical activities of any kind have positive effects on the blood sugar levels. Regular exercise reduces excessive body fat, maintains your blood pressure and makes your heart work better. What’s more, physical activities bring down the risk of any complications that may arise due to diabetes.

The best type of exercise for diabetics is aerobic related activities like cycling, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, tennis, badminton, yoga and dancing. It’s necessary that you exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week. However, do have a word with your physician first before you start off with any kind of exercise regime.

Weight training is also really good for controlling diabetes, as it not only helps in building strong muscles and bones but also increases your body’s metabolic rate. It also improves your muscle tissue’s ability to store glucose and use it more.

Again, if your lifestyle has been a sedentary one for some time now, consult your doctor before you take any decisions. However, walking is a safe option to get started; an hour of it daily would be very beneficial on the long run.

The key factors here, like any other goal are, consistency and persistence, which will help you conquer and control your diabetes for good. So be ready to make lifestyle changes and see the difference you make!