Today at Curves we are showing our support for World Diabetes Day and highlighting how important exercise is in managing the condition.
How Did It Start?
World Diabetes Day started in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a means of raising awareness for the alarming rise in the number of diabetes cases.
The date of November 14th was chosen because it marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who in 1921 along with Charles Best, discovered insulin.
The IDF estimate that more than 300 million people worldwide are at risk of type 2 diabetes. If this figure wasn’t shocking enough, 250 million people are already affected by the ongoing lifelong demands that the condition imposes, not to mention the emotional effect it has on their close friends and families. It is therefore vital that we continue to support such an important cause that helps promote and deliver high-quality diabetes education tailored to each person’s needs, delivered by skilled health professionals.
How Exercise Can Help
Now we all know that exercising regularly can be extremely beneficial to your physical and mental health, but did you know that it can also help you manage diabetes or help you reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes?
UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines state that physical activity can reduce your chance of Type 2 diabetes by up to 40%, as well as reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, joint and back pain, depression and dementia.
At Curves we are strong believers that everyone should move more, and our aim is to help you do just that. Did you know that developing an active lifestyle will help you:
- Lose weight or help you maintain a healthy weight
- Increase the amount of glucose used by the muscles for energy, so in some cases it may lower blood sugar levels
- Help the body to use insulin more efficiently – Did you know that regular activity can help reduce the amount of insulin you have to take?
- Manage your Diabetes more efficiently (particularly Type 2)
- Strengthen your bones
- Reduce levels of stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Get a better night’s sleep
How much activity do we need to do?
The good news is, all forms of physical activity helps – whether you are a busy parent, sat at a desk all day or in retirement, doing any amount of activity can benefit you in some way. That being said, in addition to your everyday activity, such as getting to work, gardening or doing the housework, we strongly recommend trying to fit 30 minutes of exercise into your day. You can start with something gentle, like walking, and gradually work your way up to 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity exercise, five times a week.
Luckily for you, Curves offer a workout plan and it all can be done in 30 minute sessions at least 3 times a week. Even better, for World Diabetes Day, participating clubs will be offering 3 free workouts as a means of encouraging a healthy lifestyle. The training will help you create lean muscle, raise your metabolism, burn more fat and tone your body and help reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
For more advice and information on healthy living, please contact your nearest Curves club or book a free consultation now!
