Baby Boomers, Diabetes and Exercise

By, Paul Landi, Fitness Professional at Moore Wilton

 

There are approximately 76 million “Baby Boomers” in the United States today within the ages of 45 to 64.  Studies indicate that approximately 85% of Baby Boomers will have at least one of the following chronic diseases by age 65:  diabetes, hypertension, CAD (coronary artery disease), or osteoporosis (bone loss).  Let’s look at diabetes and see how exercise can help control the symptoms.

Although there are several types of diabetes and several secondary diseases caused by diabetes, we are going to look at the more commonly known Type 2 diabetes.  The aged and obese populations have a higher risk for developing this type of diabetes.   With Type 2 diabetes, the receptors of the body’s cells lose their sensitivity to insulin.  Type 2 diabetes has becoming more common these days because the receptors are being covered with excess fat tissue due to obesity.  The receptors can’t recognize the insulin to respond to it, thus, they cannot bring in the glucose from the bloodstream. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause the cells to be starved for energy, and, over time, high blood glucose levels may damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

Exercise is considered by the experts to be one of the cornerstones of type 2 diabetes care.  An exercise program has the potential to provide several benefits, including;

• Improved blood glucose management: exercise along with diet and medication are essential in improving blood glucose levels.
• Improved insulin sensitivity/ lower medication requirements: exercise training results in improved insulin sensitivity, and for many that means a decrease in the dosage of insulin or oral medications required.
• Reduction in body fat: Weight loss increases insulin sensitivity and may allow those with diabetes to reduce the amount of insulin or oral medications needed.
• Stress reduction: stress can disrupt diabetes control by increasing counter-regulatory hormones, ketones, free fatty acids, and urine output, making stress reduction an important part of diabetes care.

                  Nearly everyone with diabetes can derive some benefit from an exercise program, although not all benefits will necessarily be realized by each person with diabetes.  Carefully monitoring of blood glucose and attention to balancing food intake and medication administration are necessary in order for the person to participate safely in an exercise program.

                 

                  The Baby Boomer Generation has worked hard all their life and they don’t plan to stop now.  Age won’t slow them down from doing the things they enjoy.  At Moore, we have seen a significant increase in participation in our fitness classes geared towards the aging baby boomers.  We are committed to help people maintain a high quality of life.  Our Baby Boomer-Moore Clients have been taking full advantage of our services, whether it’s personal training, Couples Fitness, group classes, sport specific, or After Work Fitness.  They love every minute so far!

Please call 203.762.2903 for more information on our Fitness programs.                

 

                   

 

Proactive Health Professionals Enhancing Physical Performance

Serving Fairfield County Connecticut Office Locations:  Darien • Stamford • Wilton Directions >