The World Health Organization defines physical activity as any physical movement that requires the expenditure of energy, including physical activities undertaken at work, performing household tasks, travelling, and in recreational activities. Exercise is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned, organized, and repetitive and aims to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness.

Moderate and intense physical activity brings many health benefits, especially for people with diabetes. As we know, type 2 diabetes is caused by several factors, including being overweight. Hence the importance of physical activity and exercise to control blood sugar levels. According to Dr. Renato Redurat, from the Department of Exercise and Sports of the Brazilian Diabetes Society (SBD), several studies have shown that regular exercise by diabetics improves blood sugar control, reduces cardiovascular risk factors, and contributes to weight loss. It improves fertility and increases well-being.

– Low and moderate intensity exercises are recommended for beginners. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, cycling and swimming, five to seven times a week, has benefits for blood sugar control. Anaerobic exercises such as weight training and some combat sports lead to increased muscle mass, which increases glucose burning and improves insulin sensitivity – the specialist teaches.

During physical activity or exercise, there is an increase in glucose uptake in contracting muscles, which increases the number of receptors that will use blood glucose as an energy source in the muscles.

This way, glucose will not be in excess and will not lead to weight gain. This is an effect similar to the action of insulin on glucose absorption in the muscles, according to the specialist. The doctor warns that high-intensity physical activity can increase blood sugar levels.

— This occurs due to the action of anti-insulin hormones (adrenaline, testosterone, growth hormone, and others). If a person has uncontrolled blood sugar levels (blood sugar levels greater than 250 mg/dL), physical activity can increase blood sugar levels and should be avoided until the glucose level decreases, especially in people with prediabetes. The first type is prevented under the guidance of a professional. Talk to your doctor, physical educator or nutritionist — specialist doctor's comments.

The doctor advises you to always look for a specialized specialist

According to Renato Redurat, there is no specific time for diabetics to exercise.

– For a diabetic patient, the time does not matter, it may be when you wake up, during your lunch break or at night. The important thing is that it be regular and reach 150 minutes per week. Regularity of physical exercise is more important than your specific schedule. This is regardless of whether it is aerobic or anaerobic exercise – explains the doctor.

Regarding nutrition, Renato Redurat says that a person with diabetes should follow the same guidelines as someone who does not have the disease.

— A person with type 2 diabetes follows the same guidelines as a person without diabetes. You can exercise at any time, regardless of your diet, as long as it is balanced and does not interfere with the type of physical exercise you choose. Patients with type 1 diabetes have different guidelines, as they need to know their blood glucose levels before exercising, the doctor says. — If it is greater than 250, or its values ​​are very low, which may cause hypoglycemia, which is low glucose in the bloodstream, it is best to avoid exercise. The patient who is accustomed to exercising under the guidance of specialists is aware of the number of calories he burns during that exercise and knows how to consume carbohydrates to compensate for this burning. Always seek guidance from a dedicated professional.