Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person's body doesn't create insulin or doesn't process insulin properly. This causes the sugar to build up in your blood instead of moving into the cells and can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and damage to the nerves and kidneys.
 
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. With Type 1, the body doesn't produce insulin, and with Type 2, the body doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. 90-95% of people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2.

So why is exercise so important? Exercise can take some glucose out of the blood to use for energy during and after exercise, which can help to lower blood glucose levels. Exercise also helps to counteract the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 
Increasing your physical activity is one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself especially if you have diabetes. This doesn't mean joining a health club; you can make a big difference by adding daily routines to boost your activity level.

Everyone can take steps to protect themselves from developing Type 2 diabetes, including someone who is showing signs of the disease. The benefits of 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week, include:
 
-Increased metabolism and muscle mass, which helps to burn extra calories even when you aren't exercising.
-Increased glucose uptake.
-Lowered blood glucose levels, which can reduce or even eliminate your need for diabetes medication.
-Improved response to insulin.
-Boosted ability to lose weight effectively and keep it off.
-Lowered cholesterol and reduced blood pressure.
-Improved circulation.
-Reduced risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death for people with diabetes.

These are just a few of the benefits of exercise in fighting a disease such as diabetes. For the biggest benefit, do aerobic and resistance training, but if you can't do both, one is better than none. Whether you have diabetes or not, remember exercise is a lifetime commitment.

Your fridge is stocked with fresh produce, lean meats and low fat dairy products, there's a whole grain baguette in the bread box, and your pantry has been purged of tempting junk foods. Eating healthy at home is a breeze.

But when you're out and about in the midst of a hectic day of errands and you have precisely 30 minutes to scavenge and wolf down lunch before your next appointment, squeezing in food of any sort becomes a challenge-a challenge to which fast food restaurants have risen. Tasty, convenient, and cheap, there are plenty of reasons they're popular. But if you're watching your weight, or watching your health, a fast food menu is like a minefield! One wrong step and a 2,100-calorie sandwich winds up in your stomach (and later on your thighs). But if you're careful, you can come out intact, with a meal in your hands, not on your hips.

Read more from SparkPeople.com >>