My three year old tells me all the time, “I am strong and brave.” And we nod our heads, admire his muscles and tell him it’s because he eats his vegetables. In our home, we are raising our children to be brave, and strong, and kind.
For some folks, though, strong and brave isn’t just a tagline or an ideal, or even an effective way to feed your children healthy food.
For those living with Type 2 Diabetes, strong and brave is a life-saver.
WHAT IS DIABETES
Diabetes is a metabolic disease occurring when the body is unable to process food to use as energy. The pancreas, an organ located close to the stomach, makes insulin to help sugar (glucose) enter the cells of the body. Diabetes prevents the body from making enough insulin or using the insulin it has correctly. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood. Complications from diabetes range from heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. According to the CDC, it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
Pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and PCOS, are all conditions that progress to Type II diabetes, a process that can be halted with diet and exercise.
About 90% of all diabetes cases are Type 2, or adult-onset Diabetes. There are a variety of risk factors that make a person vulnerable, including age, weight, race, and family history. The usual treatment of Type 2 involves home monitoring of blood sugar, diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin injections and oral medicine.
At One with the Water, the exercise is where we come in!
BENEFITS OF STRENGTH TRAINING
While aerobic exercise has always been prescribed to help manage the disease, the American Diabetes Association also recommends that adults with Type 2 Diabetes start strength training to better control blood sugar as well. But that isn’t the only benefit! Studies completed over the last 20 years show clear benefits of strength training for diabetics. They include:
- Improved sensitivity to insulin – most important!
- Also, reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure
- Weight loss
- And finally, stronger bones
This is applicable to pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and PCOS, all conditions that progress to Type II diabetes, a process that can be halted with diet and exercise. Also, mismanagement of glucose leads to high cholesterol levels which can contribute to heart disease.
Did you know that One with the Water provides private or semi-private barbell workouts using the Starting Strength training program? We’re not in the business of building bulk, only to make you a stronger person, inside and out. Barbell workouts will build your confidence and strength like no other exercise in the world. We guarantee it!
And P.S. – Check out this graphic from Positive HealthWellness for more activities beneficial for fighting diabetes
If you or someone you love is living with Type 2 Diabetes, contact us today to start your journey of courage and strength.
*Always check with your doctor before starting any strength training program to monitor your success.
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Sources:
http://www.diabetes.org
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/strength-training-diabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/media/presskits/aahd/diabetes.pdf
Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.