Exercise

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
In these challenging times, if we only could get a medication that would boost our immune system and response to viruses, lower all stress associated with being in a pandemic, and treat most of the pre-existing health conditions that are associated with a higher risk of dying from COVID-19, we would all be lined up for it! Guess what? We already have something that does all these things already.

Lifestyle modifications as first-line treatment have paramount importance on the quality of life.

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
Protein is never a key exercise fuel, but it’s critical for other reasons. During most exercise, protein contributes less than 5 percent of the total energy, although it may rise to 10 to 15 percent during a prolonged event like a marathon or Ironman triathlon. Taking in enough dietary protein is important because dietary protein allows your muscles to be repaired after exercise and promotes the synthesis of hormones, enzymes, and other body tissues formed from amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

In type 2 diabetes patients, treating diastolic function and myocardial perfusion reserve could improve aerobic exercise capacity and prevent heart failure. 

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
Yes, I know we're still dealing with a life-changing pandemic around the world and especially in most areas of the United States, but it is still worth thinking ahead to what comes next. Despite our discussion last month on non-gym fitness trends, it is more than likely that many of us have experienced a change (most often a decrease) in our daily physical activities and, subsequently, in our aerobic and muscular fitness levels.

By Sheri Colberg, PhD
The current pandemic has hit most traditional gyms and fitness centers hard, especially once more has been learned about the likely spread of the virus through respiratory droplets. How are people coping with transitioning to home-based workout routines?

Maintaining a regular pancreatic fat content could reduce the risk of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

$327 billion are spent annually for the treatment and management of diabetes.

by Sheri Colberg, Ph.D., FACSM
Addressing how to balance blood glucose levels during (and after) exercise with type 1 diabetes is not new. In fact, it is likely the KEY topic to address to be successful at being physically active if you take exogenous insulin and want to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during exercise. Strategies include changing in insulin doses and/or supplementing with food, either of which can be done in myriad ways depending on the activity, timing and more.

John, a gentleman in his 70's who has diabetes, always visited my group after he exercised. I noticed he always had something (hard candy) in his mouth and he seemed tired. I asked him why he was doing this candy thing. He said, "After exercise I like to refresh my breath, and want to make sure I prevent a low blood sugar...."