Individuals with Type 2 diabetes have two to three times the risk of dying prematurely of heart disease or stroke compared to nondiabetic individuals, and 55 percent of deaths in diabetics are caused by cardiovascular disease.
In view of this it is very important for diabetics to be regularly screened for factors linked to atherosclerosis.
Are you looking to boost your cardiovascular fitness level but aren't sure which form of exercise is going to best do the job? In the war of cardio machines, it's often the treadmill and bike that face-off, head to head.
Which one will win this race? In order to best evaluate these two options, it pays to keep a few key points in mind.
Let's look further at what you should know and remember...
1.
The Impact Factor.
First, one of the most obvious differences between the two forms of exercise is the fact jogging is going to have an impact and cycling is non-impact.
Therefore, for anyone who is suffering from knee or back pain, cycling is going to win out.
If you aren't a fan of cycling, walking is another option that is lower in impact than jogging would be, but then you are also lowering the intensity of the exercise as well.
Walking can aid blood circulation plus help keep your blood sugar level down as testing two hours after your meal will show.
If you walk after your eat, it means your muscles will demand some of the energy you've just consumed.
2.
The Strength Factor.
Moving along, the next consideration is the strength factor.
Cycling is going to have you working against resistance, whereas jogging is not unless you choose to jog uphill.
However that will be a really intense workout and not recommended for beginners.
So if you are hoping to gain some muscle strength from your cardio - or are you someone who is not doing any form of strength training, this will make cycling the superior choice.
Do this workout and you will see and feel your legs getting stronger and more defined.
With jogging, you'll improve your cardiovascular health, but that's about it.
3.
The Calorie Burn Factor.
Finally, the factor everyone wants to know about - which form of exercise burns the most calories? The answer to that is jogging.
Unless you are cycling at a very intense level with heavy resistance, you will burn more calories minute by minute jogging, as long as your pace is sufficient - at least 6 miles per hour.
But don't let this be the determining factor of which you do.
Always remember the most important factor of all is which one you enjoy most.
If you don't enjoy a particular exercise, it doesn't matter how great it is, you won't do it and at the end of the day, that's what really matters the most.
Anyone who has Type 2 diabetes should get the OK for a new exercise program from their health care provider.