MiniMed is developing a long-term implantable sensor. It hopes eventually to combine the monitor with an implantable insulin pump that would tell the pump when to deliver insulin and how much to use. This closed-loop system would work like an artificial pancreas, but this combined technology will take several years to test and develop, especially since some problems continue to arise with the reliability of the implantable pump. As studies have told us for a few years, exercise is good for your heart and helps prevent other chronic illnesses, too, by reducing risk factors. A recent study by researcher Jian Liu reported at the annual meeting of the Society for Epidemiologic Research tells us something more specific.
Physical activity conducted during leisure time seems to lower insulin resistance in adults.
Insulin resistance occurs when the body produces normal amounts of insulin but the cells can no longer use it effectively to move glucose out of the blood stream and into the cells. Thus the person is resistant or less sensitive to insulin. This often occurs in a person who is obese and who has cholesterol problems, specifically high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL,the heart-protective cholesterol. These conditions raise the risk for diabetes and heart disease. Physical activity and exercise reduce insulin resistance and the risk for heart disease.