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Science behind exercise

There is no doubt that exercise offers incredible benefits to your body, both physically and mentally. But, have you ever considered how exercise can affect your blood sugar levels? Exercise plays a vital role in the regulation of blood sugar throughout the day.

When you do something quickly, like a sprint to catch the bus, your muscles and liver release glucose, commonly known as sugar, to use as fuel. When you exercise, your muscle’s glucose storage is quickly depleted and additional glucose needed by the active muslces for energy is obtained from blood.

Blood glucose (sugar) level is the amount of glucose present in the blood at any given time. When your blood has an increased level of glucose, the hormone insulin is secreted in response. For example, this secretion is induced after a meal containing carbohydrates. The insulin secreted sends a signal to cells to take up the glucose present in the blood, thus inducing a reduction inthe  blood sugar level back to normal. 

This process also normally occurs when you exercise. Whether or not insulin is secreted, actively contracting muscles take up glucose available in blood to support energy demand. This in turn aids in the regulation of blood glucose level. Additionally, exercise also increases cell’s sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which means that muscle cells are better able at responding to any available insulin that influences the glucose uptake during and after activity.  This natural regulatatory mechanism can serve as a mean for daily regulation of blood glucose and its beneficial effects can be utilized in the long-term treatment of diabetes.

If you currently suffer from diabetes or are pre-diabetic, talk to your healthcare provider about how exercise can benefit your individual case and to develop a plan which fits in to your needs, in terms of duration and intensity. Whether your blood glucose levels are normal or you suffer from diabetes, there’s no doubt that exercise can help keep your insulin levels in check!