Final answer:
For diabetes patients, moderate to high levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness help in improved blood glucose control. These activities reduce risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and enhance insulin sensitivity, thereby contributing to better management of diabetes and reducing complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
For diabetes patients, engaging in moderate to high levels of physical activity and maintaining good cardiorespiratory fitness are predominantly beneficial. Such activities and levels of fitness are strongly associated with improved blood glucose control. This improvement comes as a consequence of multiple physiological effects that physical exercise induces:
- Reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors including hypertension and high total cholesterol.
- Improvement of 'good' cholesterol levels that promote cardiovascular health.
- Enhancement of the body's insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate blood glucose levels more effectively.
- Weight loss and maintenance which is crucial in managing type 2 diabetes and avoiding complications.
- Increased fitness, helping the heart work more efficiently, and better management of stress which can influence blood glucose and blood pressure.
The risks of insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, and excess weight, both closely related to diabetes and its complications, are reduced through regular physical activity. Additionally, an active lifestyle can help manage or mitigate complications like heart disease and high cholesterol. Therefore, for diabetes patients, the advantageous impact of physical activity extends beyond glucose control, positively influencing overall health and reducing the risks of various complications.