Print | Email | Share | Comments (0)

Heart Association Makes It Plain: Get Off Your Duff and Exercise!

Jun 25, 2009

The AHA says type 2s should get at least 2.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or bicycle riding, or at least 1.5 hours per week of vigorous-intensity exercise, such as aerobic exercises. You can also combine the two approaches.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has added weight training to the list of exercises it recommends for people with type 2 diabetes to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart and blood vessel diseases account for nearly 70 percent of deaths among type 2s.

The association says that type 2s should get at least 2.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or bicycle riding, or at least 1.5 hours per week of vigorous-intensity exercise, such as aerobic exercises. Patients can also combine the two approaches.

Resistance training, using weights, is also on the association's list of recommended exercises. The AHA encourages moderate- to high-intensity workouts during which patients perform two sets of eight repetitions with weights that they cannot lift more than eight times, separated by 10-minute rests between sets.

To maximize the benefits of exercise, patients should exercise at least three non-consecutive days per week, such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The association says that because exercise is one of the primary tools for managing diabetes, patients should consult with their healthcare providers to set up an exercise regimen. In effect, patients should look for an "exercise prescription."

For many people with type 2, sticking to an exercise schedule pays off in weight loss, lower blood glucose levels, increased energy and insulin receptivity, and a reduced need for medication.

Categories: Blood Glucose, Diabetes, Diabetes, Exercise, Health Care, Heart Care & Heart Disease, Insulin, Type 2 Issues

Comments

Add your comments about this article below. You can add comments as a registered user or anonymously. If you choose to post anonymously your comments will be sent to our moderator for approval before they appear on this page. If you choose to post as a registered user your comments will appear instantly.

When voicing your views via the comment feature, please respect the Diabetes Health community by refraining from comments that could be considered offensive to other people. Diabetes Health reserves the right to remove comments when necessary to maintain the cordial voice of the diabetes community.

For your privacy and protection, we ask that you do not include personal details such as address or telephone number in any comments posted.

Don't have your Diabetes Health Username? Register now and add your comments to all our content.

Have Your Say...

Registered User Anonymous

Your Name:	Your Email:	X

Recipient's Name:	Recipient's Email:

Your Chosen Username:	Your Email Address:

Chosen Password:	Confirm Password:

Email to a Friend

Heart Association Makes It Plain: Get Off Your Duff and Exercise!

You May Also Be Interested In...

Comments

Register...

Have Your Say...

Diabetes Health

Topics

Topics

Topics

Diabetes Health Medical Disclaimer

Comment: