Weight Training & Cardio Best for Blood Sugar Control

By Denise Reynolds RD for EmaxHealth.com

Physical activity and daily exercise is crucial for everyone’s health, but even much more so for those with diabetes. Regular workouts not only help lower blood sugar levels, but can improve other health risk factors such as lowering blood pressure and helping with weight control. Research shows that a combination of cardio (aerobic) exercise and weight training is best for overall health.

However, those with Type 1 diabetes, a disorder of the immune system that makes it difficult for the body to produce insulin, run the risk of hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low) when working out. To balance the benefits and risks, Canadian researchers say that lifting weights before doing aerobic exercise will control blood sugar better in those with Type 1 diabetes.