Myth: Intense exercise is better than moderate exercise for those with type 2 diabetes.
Truth: This is false.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin or the body does not properly use the insulin it makes. Insulin is the hormone that helps control the sugar level in the blood. As a result, the sugar is built up in the blood leading to high blood sugar levels rather than being used for energy. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study by Jung-Hoon and colleagues explored the effects of exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes. This study is published in the journal Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome. Researchers used flow-mediated dilation to determine that moderate exercise is better than intense exercise for individuals with type 2 diabetes. To read more about this study and type 2 diabetes, click here.
Reference
- Jung-Hoon L, Ruda L, Moon-Hyon H, Marc TH, Yoonjung P. The effects of exercise on vascular endothelial function in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2018;10:15. doi:10.1186/s13098-018-0316-7.