Strength Training to Manage Blood Sugar

Featuring Min Naruki-van Velzen, MSc, Strength Training to Manage Blood Sugar

Duration: 1 minute, 8 seconds

Strength training is one of the most important things or one of the most effective ways to manage blood sugar.

In many ways it might even be superior to aerobic exercise for lowering blood sugar. By increasing muscle mass, even just modestly, you really dramatically improve your body's sensitivity to insulin.

When your body is more sensitive to the insulin it makes, your blood sugar will go down and it gives your pancreas a bit of a rest. So we encourage people to follow a basic strength training program that addresses all the major muscle groups of the body. Two to three times a week is probably adequate for a basic program.

Keep in mind that healthy eating and nutrition is just as important in managing blood sugar, as well as you're taking any medications that may be prescribed by your doctor.

For those that are interested in starting a higher-intensity strength training program, it's important to get cleared by your family doctor to make sure that strength training is safe for you. If you would like more information on starting a strength training program, talk to your family doctor or your healthcare team at your local diabetes education center.

Presenter: Mr. Min Naruki-van Velzen, Athletic Therapist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Athletic Therapist