Exercise and regular activity can help control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, bringing attention to diabetes and the impact on millions of Americans. Awareness is the first step toward more funding for research, more understanding about the disease and better education to help save a life.

Here are 3 ways that Pilates can help someone with diabetes:

1. Pilates helps increase muscle mass.

Pilates classes incorporate resistance training, which increases muscle mass and lowers your body fat percentage.

According to clinical research, regular Pilates classes can also help to control glycaemia, increase your cardiovascular health, increase sensitivity to insulin and reduce body fat and blood pressure.

2. Pilates has a low probability of injury.

Because diabetic patients generally recover slower from cuts and sores, it is important to choose an activity with a low risk of injury. Pilates classes have no impact on the joints and lower risk of injury compared to other forms of exercise.

3. Pilates improves mental wellbeing.

Pilates helps improve focus, which is key for someone with diabetes. Mental complications such as depression and anxiety are common in diabetic patients, but participating in Pilates exercises helps with the mind-body correlation.

Participating in activities provides a mental challenge that is beneficial to diabetic patients.

Clinical research on the effect of Pilates exercises on general health in women with type 2 diabetes concluded that “Pilates exercises can be utilized as an effective and safe method to improve general health in patients with type 2 diabetes.”

“It’s really great that we now have studies on Pilates and its effects on specific conditions like diabetes,” said Mary Lou Savino, owner and president of Be Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates, LTD in Downers Grove. “Pilates is resistance training. It’s core stability through strength and flexibility. When you do Pilates, it helps your body maintain normal blood sugar and insulin levels.”

Be Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates: 4934 Main St. Downers Grove, IL 60515, 630.964.4008, www.befitpt.com