E-bikes motivate people with diabetes to adopt a more active lifestyle

Cardiovascular system and blood glucose levels improved: e-bikes recommended for diabetics

The number of diabetic patients has increased massively for years. Scientists predict that in 2045, one in eight people worldwide will be affected by the metabolic disease. According to experts, sufferers should be physically active to improve their health. A study has now shown that e-bikes can motivate diabetics to a more active lifestyle.

Healthy diet and physical activity

In Germany, more and more people are suffering from diabetes. After diagnosis, sufferers are often treated quickly. But in many cases, a healthy lifestyle is enough to get the so-called "diabetes" under control. A balanced and varied diet helps sufferers to control their blood sugar more easily and prevent consequential damage. Also important is regular physical activity. E-bikes are particularly useful for this, as a study from the UK has shown.

A UK study has shown that e-bikes help people with type 2 diabetes move towards a more active and fit lifestyle. (Image: studio4pic / fotolia.com)

Support diabetics on their way to a more active and fitter lifestyle

How good e-bikes, also known as pedelecs, can be for health, recently a scientific study showed Swiss researchers, who proved that these means of transport, especially for people with overweight and in old age, a good way to fitter.

People with type 2 diabetes can also be supported by e-bikes on their way to a more active and fit lifestyle.

This was the result of a British study published in the journal "Diabetic Medicine".

"DiabetesDE - German Diabetes Assistance" now encourages people with type 2 diabetes in this country to more wheel mobility.

Lower blood glucose levels

According to a report by "diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid", 95 percent of the approximately 6.7 million people with diabetes mellitus in Germany suffer from type 2 diabetes.

The affected patients are also often overweight. You should therefore be exercising regularly to lose weight and lower your blood sugar levels. But many find it difficult to exercise because of their overweight.

The feasibility study by researchers led by Professor Ashley Cooper of the University of Bristol in the UK showed that e-bikes can help people with type 2 diabetes here enormously.

Study participants do not want to miss e-bikes anymore

For the study, 20 people with type 2 diabetes were provided e-bikes for five months.

After a first fitness test, the study participants used the wheels in their everyday life, for example, to drive to work, to shop or for trips.

Of the 20 subjects, 18 participated in the end of the cycle and returned an average of 21 kilometers per week by bike.

The participants reported that the average heart rate measured during cycling was just under 75 percent of the maximum, compared with a good 64 percent when walking.

At the final fitness test they showed an increase in endurance by almost eleven percent. 14 of the volunteers bought their own e-bike after completing their studies.

Patients should move and improve their fitness

"For years, we have been trying to get people with type 2 diabetes to move more and improve their fitness," Dr. med. Jens Kröger, CEO of "diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid".

"Often we did not succeed. Cycling as an endurance sport is ideal for people with diabetes: they burn calories and at the same time strengthen the cardiovascular system and the lungs, "explains the practicing diabetologist from Hamburg-Bergedorf.

As the communication states, the study shows the advantages for beginners in particular: Cycling is gentle on the joints, and an e-bike also makes it easier for untrained people with diabetes to travel longer distances, climbs or ride in headwinds.

"Electronic support can be a good motivation for those concerned to start cycling. Even older people who no longer trust their strength will find it easier to get started again, "says Kröger.

Pedal continuously

You do not have to be accused of having to work harder on e-bike riding than on a conventional bike.

Although a pedelec has a battery-powered engine, unlike a scooter, it is still a bicycle that requires the driver to pedal continuously.

"That's why it's important for inexperienced people with diabetes to be examined by their attending physician before the first drive," explains the diabetologist.

Always wear a helmet

In addition, it should be noted that cyclists should wear a helmet that protects them from falls in head injuries.

Because e-bikes support acceleration up to 25 km / h before the engine is automatically throttled.

"If you want to try out an e-bike first, you might find it an opportunity during your summer vacation," says dr. Kroger:

"In many resorts there are rental stations, often even taster courses." The fact that this means of transportation is becoming increasingly popular, also show the sales figures: in the past year 720,000 e-bikes were sold in Germany. (Ad)