Did you know about 24 million Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? There’s also about 7 million more that are diabetic but it’s isn’t officially diagnosed. There’s also about 90 million Americans who are borderline diabetic or prediabetic. It’s well-known that exercise helps diabetics. Today we’re going to dig into this health condition more and how walking can help you treat and possibly reverse your type 2 diabetes.
What are some main causes of type 2 diabetes?
This section will in no way be covering every possible cause and I am not a health expert. I’m just going to go over info that I have discovered through my own research of peer reviewed and documented medical findings.
The primary causes of type two diabetes are combinations of the following:
- Unhealthy diet, high in sugar or sugar substitutes.
- Lack of physical activity and exercise
- High stress and poor sleep
- Immune systems triggers
- Genetics
It is extremely rare for any one of these singly to cause this condition in most people. It is usually a combination of 2-3 of these over time that leads to the diagnosis.
Is type 2 diabetes reversible?
There is no magic pill that will fully reverse your type 2 diabetes and allow you to continue living the same life that led you to the condition. That’s simple facts. I don’t care if the pill is created by the best science labs in the world or the best herbalist. There are thousands of people, possibly millions, that have reversed being prediabetic or fully diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
How?
Well, they all made lifestyle changes, usually 2 or 3 of them. Some did it by taking certain supplements and/ or medications and upping their daily activity. Others totally changed their diet and found ways to decrease their stress. There’s no set path that will work for every person without fail, but through trial and error you can find one that will help you.
How does exercise help type 2 diabetes?
There actually is wonderful research into this and it’s even accepted by the CDC that moderate exercise does wonders for diabetic people. Walking at a decent rate (depends on your fitness level but ususally around 3mph) is moderate exercise. We’ve discussed how walking, and most other moderate exercises, help your body in numerous ways, but did you know it also makes your body more sensitive to insulin. Over exposure to glucose over extended periods causes your body to produce more and more insulin causing it to lose sensitivity to the chemical. This forces it to create more and more insulin.
Walking, though, causes your body to become more sensitive to insulin again, meaning your pancrease will create less and your blood sugar should lowe and stabalize.
Walking also helps you stress less and sleep better.
Is walking really the best for diabetes?
Walking is wonderful! I think everyone capable should do it. So, what I’m about to say may shock you. It may not be the best exercise for a diabetic. It may not even be the best for someone without diabetes. You know what is the best?
An exercise you will consistantly do is the best one for you, diabetes or no.
Now, I still think walking is one of the best choices. It can be fit in most anyone’s schedule. It requires very little to no new equipment. It’s generally free or very cheap. It has loads of other benefits besides helping diabetes. It’s easy for most as well. Even if you decide to evolve beyond basic walking there’s always room for it in your routines.
Are you ready to treat your diabetes with a long walk?
Remember, it will generally take more than just walking, but it’s definitely a big piece of the process. Make the changes you need.
Can’t wait to see you strolling along,
Kimmie