Benefits

"The question is no longer "can exercise/physical activity benefit the individual with Type 2 diabetes?" The answer is yes."¹

Physical activity is key for prevention...

• Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 50%.^{2, 3, 4}
• A healthy diet, weight control, exercise and reduction in stress are important steps in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.⁵

1. Physical activity relieves stress, improves insulin activity and reduces obesity.^{2, 6}
• Reduction in stress and obesity are important in the prevention of type 2 diabetes because they are risk factors for developing the disease.⁷
• Physical activity can prevent obesity or reduce it and can lower stress by releasing "feel good" hormones and keeping your mind and body in balance.^{1, 8}
• In order to regulate and control insulin, a protein hormone affected by diabetes, it is important to keep active and healthy.⁹
2. Obesity reduces the ability of cells to respond to insulin and can limit the ability to perform physical activities.¹⁰
• Once again, if someone is obese they are at a higher risk of developing type 2 Diabetes.¹¹
• The reason for this is because the body of someone who is overweight has a harder time using the hormone insulin to its full potential and this can eventually lead to diabetes.¹²
• People who are overweight or obese may limit the amount of physical activity they do because of emotional or physical barriers.¹³
3. A healthy diet helps keep a healthy body weight and reduces cholesterol.¹⁴
• Eating a well balanced diet, low in fat, moderate in sugar and sweets and high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products helps control weight.¹⁵
• High cholesterol is bad for your heart and is linked with diabetes.⁵

Here are some good ways to prevent and control diabetes:

• Learn about diabetes.^{16, 17}
• Walk a balanced life. ^{16, 17}
• Eat healthy. ^{16, 17}
• Be physically active. ^{16, 17}
• Have a positive attitude. ^{16, 17}