Whichever type of diabetes you have, your body will have lost the capability to use sugar. As a consequence, blood sugar levels increase and need to be lowered by medication, diet and exercise. To learn more about diabetes and exercise, read on.

For a Type 1 diabetic, exercise is extremely important to control body weight and increase the use glucose by the muscles, thus lowering blood sugar levels. Unfortunately Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented at all but it could be possible to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

The link between the prevention of the onset of Type 2 diabetes and exercise has not been proven without doubt but some research indicates a connection and common sense dictates that there must be one.

Exercise helps to maintain insulin sensitivity and as already discussed lowers blood sugar but as little as half an hour's exercise has been shown lessen the chance of someone developing Type 2 diabetes. This doesn't have to be a run at top speed; a reasonably brisk walk will do.

The side effects of diabetes such as circulatory disorders and high blood pressure can definitely be improved with regular exercise, in particular blood flow to the feet.

Be careful when exercising though that your blood sugar doesn't become too low and cause hypoglycaemia. If you take strenuous exercise, it's a good idea to carry a cereal bar, sweets or a fruit juice with you. Be sure to take note of how you feel after exercising. If you have any symptoms that couldn't normally be associated with exercise such as perspiring, slightly raised heart rate and breathlessness which soon return to normal, it's quite possible that your blood sugar level is too low.

As well as improving overall health, regular exercise may well mean that diabetic medication can be reduced or ultimately stopped.