Type 2 Diabetes, Exercise and Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that works in conjunction with cells throughout the body to convert sugar, protein and other forms of food into energy. In people who have type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells cannot efficiently use the insulin.

A study of a group of men in their late 60's with type 2 diabetes found that two weekly sessions of strength training improved their insulin sensitivity and resting blood sugar levels. The 16-week supervised program required the men to exercise their major muscle groups (badminton and tennis do that also) by using weight machines (more fun with tennis or badminton) for 45 to 60 minutes. At the conclusion of the study, their total body fat had decreased by 10%. Plus, their leg strength had increased by 17% and their arm strength by 18%. To fully appreciate the significance of these findings, keep in mind that these positive changes occurred without any modification to their existing diets. I wonder what they ate and whether they were beer drinkers, smoked and ate a lot of ice cream and candy? Maybe they were healthy eaters to begin with.
In my case, I found that badminton and tennis also kept my blood pressure readings lower and the muscles taut and strong. Weight was no problem. The medical community is just beginning to learn what I have known all these years: Exercise in badminton (uses more muscle groups than any other sport) and tennis keep you healthy mentally, and physically, and has the added benefit of keeping you off expensive prescription drugs. Now, just because these men found that exercise alone improved these features of their health — doesn’t mean you should go out and drink beer, eat ice cream, a hot dog and some French fries. One of my thin relatives died while reaching in the freezer for a half-gallon of ice cream.
It is the whole body that we are concerned with and that includes vital signs-- blood pressure, weight, lipid profile, strength, and social and mental health. That is a comprehensive approach that I call Nutrition-Based-Regimen with exercise in social-recreational activities that brings the blood pressure down. (If you finish your game with a higher blood pressure than when you went on the court, then you’re defeating your purpose).
"Make Eating A Lifestyle Change" involves a total approach to living--involving mind, body and spirit while using your intelligence to fight the war against disease and then practicing self-discipline in the way you eat, play, socialize and deal with everyday stress.