Health Insurance Daily

Get Up and Get Moving

Since their bodies don't do it automatically, type 1 diabetics have to carefully control the level of glucose in their blood by watching their diet and taking insulin. Doctors have debated whether to encourage exercise, since physical activity might reduce blood sugar to potentially dangerous levels.

But a new study suggests that regular exercise actually helps kids control their blood sugar levels and doesn't put them at undue risk. The study, which appears in the June issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, found that not only did the people who exercised more often have better control, but the girls also lost weight--important, since being overweight worsens diabetes.

Coauthor Antje Herbst, a pediatrician at the University of Bonn, says that while she would expect adult type 1 diabetics to see the same results, they may have circulatory or other issues that could make exercise harmful. If you're a type 1 diabetic, check with your doctor about how to incorporate exercise into your life.

Article published by U.S. News and World Report 6-19-06.

posted by Mike @ 7:45 AM