Women who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (”PCOS”) run a greater than average risk of developing type II diabetes. Although it is not uncommon, PCOS often remains undiagnosed in women who are affected by it. Figures of about eight to ten percent of women of childbearing age are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Unexplained weight gain where excess weight is carried in the abdominal area can be a symptom of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Women who are diagnosed as having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome need to improve their insulin sensitivity in order to reduce their risk of developing type II diabetes Some other common symptoms of PCOS are infrequent or irregular menstrual periods, acne, and excessive body hair. These symptoms can be caused by a hormone imbalance caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
A medical check up will enable your doctor to diagnose PCOS if it is present. If you are found to be suffering from the syndrome, you will need specialist advice on how to control PCOS. You will need to learn how to avoid the onset of complications such as infertility, cardiac problems and type II diabetes. A healthy diet and regular exercise is essential for a woman who has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
The symptoms associated with PCOS will be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight. Maintenance of the right weight for the woman’s height and age will help to prevent problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Some women find it impossible to lose weight even by taking an increased level of exercise and following a healthy diet.
Even without weight loss, clinical studies have shown that these women will still receive benefits to their health. Regular moderate exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps to regulate the way the body metabolizes glucose and is, therefore, important in the prevention of diabetes. If our body loses sensitivity to insulin, the pancreas increases its production of insulin to try to compensate and restore the balance.
By improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin through exercise the pancreas is not forced to work at an abnormal rate. Losing weight is often important to women because the way they look affects their self-esteem, and they want to have a slimmer figure. A woman who finds losing weight a struggle should remember that exercise will be beneficial to her health even if weight loss takes a long time.
Women should always seek their doctor’s approval before commencing any exercise program. There might be matters in personal medical records that indicate caution when starting a new exercise plan. The doctor will be able to provide any recommendations appropriate to the individual case.
There is a wide choice of exercise. Some women don’t like going to the gym. They can get the same health benefits from swimming, walking or dancing. Walking is a particularly good way of starting the habit of exercising regularly. Walking is free, requires no expensive equipment, and no training is required to start. Regular walks improve the feeling of general well-being. Women who take daily walks will sleep better and find that they are less prone to mood swings.
The only equipment you need to start a walking program is a pair of good walking shoes. Don’t be tempted to try taking long walks wearing ordinary shoes. Your local sports store will be able to help you choose the right style of shoe. You need a shoe designed to give the feet correct support while walking.
When you first start walking, don’t worry about speed or distance. Walking even at a slow pace will improve your health. If you are not used to walking, you should start by walking short distances. You will find that regular walking will quickly build up your stamina. You will soon be able to increase the distance you walk each day. Start out slowly and don’t be tempted to overdo things. Walk a short distance at a comfortable speed. As you continue walking each day, you can increase the length of your walk gradually.
Thirty minutes is a good length of time for a daily walk. If you are not accustomed to taking exercise, start out with a ten minute walk and increase your time by two minutes every day or every other day. You will notice how much easier walking becomes day by day. In a short time you will find that you look forward to your daily walk.
