Women, Diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: How Exercise Can Help

Some women are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes because of a common undiagnosed syndrome: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PECOS, affects between 6 and 10 percent of women of childbearing age. One of the symptoms of PECOS is usually obesity, which is the weight of the stomach. Reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women with PECOS involves, in part, improving insulin sensitivity. If you have symptoms such as irregular or irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excessive body hair or facial hair, you may have PECOS. PECOS causes hormonal imbalances that can cause these types of symptoms. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the syndrome and refer you to the appropriate treatment to control the condition and prevent future complications such as heart disease, infertility, endometrial cancer, and diabetes. Women with PECOS should make sure they eat a healthy diet, and include regular exercise each week. Maintaining a healthy weight, and losing any extra pounds, will not only help prevent heart disease and diabetes, it will also help reduce the symptoms associated with PECOS. There are some women who, even with increased exercise and a healthy diet, will not lose weight. Are these women still benefiting? Studies have shown that exercise can have health benefits, regardless of its effect on weight. Exercise affects the body's ability to utilize carbohydrates (glucose), and it improves insulin sensitivity, both of which help prevent diabetes from developing. As our body becomes more sensitive to insulin, the pancreas increases its production of insulin to try to compensate. By exercising, and improving our body's insulin sensitivity, we keep the pancreas inactive for longer. Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness. Even if exercise does not help you to lose weight in a short period of time, it will still benefit your health. Before starting an exercise program, it is important to consult your doctor. They may have recommendations for starting a program, or warnings based on your medical history. There are several ways to start an exercise program; the key to finding what works for you. You may choose to ride a bicycle, swim, walk, or dance. Walking is a great way to start a regular exercise routine. Women who enjoy daily walking report that they feel better, sleep better, and experience mood swings. If you have to decide to start a walking program, make sure you have the quality of walking shoes. Your local grocery store can provide you with information on the right shoe style for you. When you start, do not worry about your speed, or how long you are going. Even a slow walk will be good for your health, and as you build strength, you will be able to increase the length of your journey. Start small, research shows that even slow walking is good for your health. As you progress with your plan, you will probably find your strengths increase, and you can add a long distance to your journey. The best goal you can work for is a 30-minute walk every day.