Diabetes is a very serious chronic disease that can cause debilitating health problems if not managed effectively. People with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, eye complications and blindness, foot problems, nerve damage, foot problems, and even dental problems like gingivitis. Medications can help keep your blood sugar at healthier levels, but all medications have their own side effects and risks. Regular exercise like on an elliptical trainer can help control your diabetes while keeping medication use to a minimum.

Exercise can be very effective in controlling diabetes. Exercise helps control type 2 diabetes in the following ways.

1. It improves your body’s use of insulin.
2. Increases bone density and strength
3. Low blood pressure
4. Lowers LDL cholesterol
5. Improves blood circulation
6. Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
7. increases energy
8. Burns excess fat which helps maintain a healthy body weight
9. Increases muscle strength

So how does exercise help lower blood sugar levels? Normally, insulin is released from the pancreas when the amount of sugar in the blood increases, such as after eating. Insulin stimulates the liver and muscles to absorb excess glucose. This results in a drop in blood sugar level. As you exercise, your body needs additional energy for fuel. Continuous moderate exercise causes the muscles to absorb almost 20 times more glucose than normal. This helps lower blood sugar levels, and at the same time, insulin levels can drop in anyone not taking it, thus minimizing the risks of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. .

What is the best type of exercise to control diabetes? Research shows that strength training has a profound impact in helping people manage their diabetes. In a recent study of Hispanic men and women, 16 weeks of strength training produced dramatic improvements in blood sugar control that are comparable to taking diabetes medication. Aerobic exercise has also been shown to be effective in controlling diabetes.

A workout on an elliptical trainer can provide a vigorous aerobic workout while strengthening major muscle groups. Moving the pedals works the thighs, glutes, hamstrings, and shin muscles. Most elliptical trainers have movable arms that will also work your upper body muscles, including your chest, arm, and back muscles. By varying the amount of resistance, you can emphasize muscle strengthening or aerobic exercise.

Diabetes is an all too common chronic disease that can cause serious health problems. An exercise program on a new or used elliptical can be an effective way to control this disease.