Short walks and light moderate activity shown to have positive results in limiting negative impacts associated with diabetes
Within the UK alone, there are an estimated 4 million people living with diabetes and various knock-on effects associated with the disease, researchers are studying possible ways through which we can reduce the harmful impacts that living with diabetes can cause.
One interesting lifestyle adjustment as researched by the University of Melbourne, University of Western Australia and the University of Hong Kong found that through breaking up your working day with short 3 minute walks over the course of the day, people are able to steadily maintain their blood pressure at lower levels during everyday life.
So how can this help my diabetes?
High blood pressure is just one among other risks which are associated with living with diabetes. Approximately 25% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. This can bring various health implications including a heightened risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney malfunction and other health problems.
Through sustaining lower blood pressure, individuals have been shown to experience improved clinical outcomes. Interestingly, the effects from this trial have been likened to the benefits experienced through taking a single blood pressure lowering medicine. Although these factors have not been directly compared and must be taken with a pinch of salt, one can’t ignore the underlying message which simply adds to the growing pool of evidence that physical activity has a positive impact on one’s health and can be effective in maintaining blood pressure at lower levels. It’s also important to bear in mind that these benefits can be reaped by anyone suffering from a high blood pressure and not limited solely to those suffering from diabetes.
Parallels can be drawn with the findings from this study and translated into key messages voiced by KiActiv®. Through incorporating more physical activity into our daily routines, it can aid the treatment and prevention of health diseases and lead to an all-round healthier lifestyle. This can be achieved through small day to day changes which all add up to make an overall difference in our lives. By using KiActiv®, individuals learn to make the most of their movement and are able to remain physically active in a sustainable, user friendly way simply through approaching physical activity in a multidimensional manner.
