How does regular exercise affect blood glucose levels in diabetics?

• A. It increases blood glucose levels
• B. It has no effect on blood glucose
• C. It helps lower blood glucose levels
• D. It can only help type 1 diabetics

Answer: (C)

Regular exercise plays a significant role in managing blood glucose levels, particularly for individuals with diabetes. During physical activity, the body requires more energy, which is derived from glucose. As a result, muscles become more sensitive to insulin, leading to enhanced glucose uptake from the bloodstream. This physiological response helps to lower blood glucose levels, making regular exercise an effective strategy for blood glucose management in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, consistent exercise contributes to improved insulin sensitivity and may help in maintaining a healthy weight, both of which further facilitate better blood glucose control. While some may believe that exercise increases blood glucose levels, particularly in the short term due to the release of glucose from the liver, the overall impact of regular, sustained physical activity is a reduction in average blood glucose levels over time. This makes exercise a vital component of diabetes management strategies.