Exercise helps your body become more sensitive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. When you exercise, your muscles need more glucose for energy, and insulin becomes more effective at transporting glucose into the cells.
Physical activity causes muscles to contract, which directly lowers blood sugar levels as glucose is used for energy. This effect can last for hours after your workout.
Regular exercise can assist in weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess weight can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Abdominal fat is closely linked to insulin resistance. Exercise, particularly aerobic activities, can help reduce abdominal fat, which is beneficial for blood sugar control.
Exercise is known to reduce stress, and lower stress levels can help prevent blood sugar spikes in individuals with diabetes. Chronic stress can affect blood sugar regulation, so managing stress is essential.