Can exercise work as well as drugs for some health conditions?

SAN ANTONIO – Before you reach for a pill to fix what ails you, you might be better off reaching for your gym shoes. Research shows that for some conditions, exercise may work as well as drugs or surgery with fewer side effects.

When Sandra Wingate found out she had dangerously high blood sugar last year — type 2 diabetes — her doctor prescribed changes to her diet, medication and regular exercise.

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“If I kept with exercise and diet changes, I will be off medication in a few months,” Wingate said.

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly one in 10 participants were able to give up diabetes medication altogether after two years on a program that included exercise and dietary changes.

Exercise has also been shown to be very effective against other chronic conditions.

“For chronic lower back pain, new guidelines from the American College of Physicians say you should try nondrug therapies, including exercise, before you pop a pill,” said Trish Calvo, Consumer Reports health editor.

For arthritis, weight training can build muscle strength, reducing pressure on joints and improving stability.

“It’s important to learn how to use weights correctly from a certified trainer or physical therapist to avoid worsening joint pain,” Calvo said.

Strength training can help people with diabetes, too. The more muscle you have, the less likely you are to store that extra glucose.

People on insulin should talk to their doctor about the best time to exercise, to avoid potentially dangerous drops in blood sugar. 

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About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.