Manage Type 2 Diabetes Blood Sugar with Exercise
Glucose Control for Older Diabetics from Regular Physical Activity
Sep 10, 2009
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin deficiency, resulting in high levels of glucose in the blood after a meal. It is often diagnosed in older people who are not as physically active as when they were younger.
American diabetes specialist Dr Nicolas Musi, associate professor in the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, studies the effect of exercise on the mitochondria of muscle cells. Mitochondria are the cells’ power plants which provide energy to the body.
An age-related decline in the number of mitochondria contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes, he said, but exercise can reverse this decline.
"Older patients have a high incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes, but respond very well to exercise," Dr. Musi said. "We are investigating how physical activity can prevent diabetes in people who have pre-diabetes."
Older Diabetics Benefit from Exercising
People of any age get health benefits from regular exercise activities, but Dr Musi said older people with Type 2 diabetes gained noticeable benefits.
"We did an exercise intervention in older individuals and noticed that physical activity improves mitochondrial function substantially in people over 65."
Targeted Exercise for Diabetic Seniors
As with any exercise program, especially when first started, it is important for it to be targeted to the person’s abilities and strength and not to overtax them.
"Even small amounts of exercise can confer benefits. However, it is important to design an exercise program that will not cause harm, particularly in older persons or those compromised by conditions such as heart disease,” Dr Musi said.
Australian expert in exercise for seniors, Dr Tim Henwood has developed fitness classes for elderly people. He says the key to any exercise program is “proper equipment, supervision to ensure your technique is correct and encouragement and motivation.”
His group of exercisers ranged in age from 70 to over 90. “What we were looking at was how simple resistance training can improve muscle strength, power and functional performance,” he said.
“By building strength we are aiming to improve the quality of life of older people and allow them to maintain independence into later life.”
How Exercising Helps Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Dr Musi said the answer to how physical activity improved the diabetic person’s health was that, as the muscles are worked, they become more efficient at burning up sugars and fats for energy.
He said the exact chemical pathway was not yet known, but it’s possible that that exercise activates an enzyme called AMP kinase, which maintains normal levels of energy in the cells.
"Further study will help us understand how exercise works to improve our health," Dr. Musi said.
"Also, by doing research in exercise, perhaps we can develop medications in the future that work like exercise. These could be used to help people who cannot exercise, and to maximize the benefits of exercise for those who can."
Controlling Blood Glucose Another Gain from Exercise for Seniors
Dr Henwood said Dr Musi’s research confirmed his own studies into the health benefits of regular physical exercise for older people.
“Moderate to high intensity resistance training increases strength, power and endurance, improves body fat to muscle mass ratios, and increases capillary and mitochondrial density in the muscles,” Dr Henwood said.
“Even if you start at 90, you will see a positive effect. It improves functional health, balance, flexibility and reduces the risk of falls.
“In addition, resistance training increases cardiac parameters, respiratory capacity and decreases symptoms of disease.
“I am a staunch believer that it is the answer to ensuring functional health far into the individual’s later years.”
You might also enjoy The Benefits of Resistance Training and The Diabetic Benefits of Black Tea
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