Exercise is one of the recommended activities for everyone. This includes people with diabetes or high blood sugar levels. In fact, exercise can help lower blood sugar levels in a variety of ways.
When you exercise, the body becomes more sensitive to insulin.
This means that muscle cells can use existing insulin more effectively to absorb glucose during and after physical activity. As the body’s cells become more responsive, the pancreas does not need to produce large amounts of insulin, so Overall insulin levels in the blood will decrease.
Here are the key points regarding how exercise affects insulin:
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
A regular exercise can significantly lower insulin levels. Regular aerobic exercise can increase insulin sensitivity by 25% to 50%. This means that exercise makes the body’s cells more responsive to insulin. This allows glucose to enter muscle cells more efficiently so that it can help lower blood sugar levels.
Work Without Losing Weight
Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce insulin resistance even if you don’t experience weight loss.
Builds muscle mass
As muscle mass increases, the body uses blood sugar better.
Muscle tissue acts like a glucose sponge, absorbing more sugar from the bloodstream and reducing the need for insulin.
Reduces stress hormones
Chronic stress releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase blood sugar levels, as noted in a study from the Northern Clinics of Istanbul.
Supports weight management
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and improves overall metabolic health.
Lasting Effects
This increased insulin sensitivity can stay in the body for up to 24 to 72 hours after you finish exercising. Therefore, consistency is essential so that the effect does not disappear. Exercise helps lower these stress hormones, thus supporting stable glucose levels.
