Pedal All The Way

Last time we saw how prediabetics benefit from cycling. This time, we focus on how spending some time balancing on two wheels helps out diabetics.

- Mehul Reuben Das

Cycling, and the effects that the activity has on the body has helped many prediabetics in preventing diabetes altogether and turn their lives around. Not only does it help people manage their weight and cholesterol, like all exercises, it also helps people inculcate a sense of discipline, when done religiously and regularly. Unfortunately, because of certain untruths and myths surrounding diabetes, people often assume that a physical activity such as cycling is not suitable for people with diabetes. We bust a few myths shrouding this issue. Read, and get ready to pedal.

1 Cycling will cause my blood sugar levels to go through the roof.

This is not true. Any moderate activity, be it brisk walking or light weight training has been clinically proven to lower elevated blood sugar levels. Cycling really works up the leg muscles and if done on a challenging track, it works up the core muscles as well. This, in turn, means that the cells in those muscles can absorb up to 40 per cent more glucose. When properly balanced with a healthy intake of insulin, blood sugar levels may drop down to normal levels.

2 Cycling can make me faint as it is an exhaustive activity.