Information regarding diabetes and day-to-day living with the disease.
A common endocrine disorder called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affects from six to ten percent of women who are of childbearing age.
PCOS usually causes severe weight problems, and this extra weight is usually
carried around their abdomens. Improving insulin sensitivity in women with
polycystic ovary syndrome is important to help reduce the risk of developing
Type 2 diabetes.
Women with PCOS should be following a healthy eating program, and doing at
least a moderate amount of exercise each week. This will not only help to prevent
cardiovascular disease and diabetes, it will also help with the symptoms of
this disease.
What about those women who do eat right and exercise and still do not lose
weight? Studies prove that even if you are not losing weight, exercising still
has healthy benefits. Exercise affects how the body metabolizes carbohydrates
(glucose) in women with PCOS who have not yet developed diabetes. Exercise
improves insulin sensitivity and helps prevent diabetes from developing. When
our body becomes less sensitive to insulin, our pancreas will try to compensate
and produce even more insulin. By even having a moderate exercise program,
we will help our bodies improve insulin sensitivity.
Walking is a great way to start a new exercise program. Women who walk report
feeling better, sleeping better, and moods do not shift as intensely. Before
you start any exercise program, you should always talk to your doctor. He may
have advice on how much exercise you should start with, or give cautions based
on your medical history. If you are going to start a walking program, start
with a good pair of walking shoes. Start out slow, studies show that even a
slow paced walk is good to your health. As you continue your program, you will
probably find your stamina builds up and you can add more distance to your
walk.
If you have symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome such as irregular menstrual
cycles, problems with acne, excessive body, and face hair, you may have PCOS.
You should contact your doctor for treatment. These symptoms are caused by
a hormone imbalance. He will help you control the condition and prevent you
from having complications such as heart disease, infertility, endometrial cancer,
and diabetes.
Losing weight is important to women. Not only for the health benefits, but
for improved self-esteem and more energy. There are several ways to start an
exercise program; all you need to do is search for the one that is right for
you. You may choose to ride a stationary bike, swim, walk, or dance. Even if
you don't lose weight, you will still be benefiting your body. Moderate
exercise will help with tension, sleeping, mood swings, and make your heart
and vascular system healthier.
Remember, even if you have a hard time losing weight, just adding a moderate
amount of exercise in your day will give you many healthy benefits, including
a lower risk of developing diabetes.
