Why exercise?

It seems that no matter what's wrong with you, a doctor will recommend exercise as part of the cure. I always thought this made sense in that exercise --> weight loss --> better health. But then I learned that exercise helps independently of weight loss! For cardiovascular disease this makes sense, but why would it be the case for diabetes?

To set the scene: in type 2 diabetes, patients develop insulin resistance: they still make insulin, but cells stop responding to it. After a meal, instead of transporting glucose into cells, glucose remains in the blood. Patients become hyperglycemic, which over time damages organs.

It turns out that everyone has "non-insulin-mediated glucose uptake" transporters that take up glucose from blood regardless of insulin. Because many of these transporters are in skeletal muscle, working that muscle (i.e. exercising) improves the number and efficacy of these transporters. This provides an alternate way to take up glucose even in patients with insulin resistance.

Pretty neat, huh?

This salad is the edible equivalent of the neon gear that runners love so much, and I bet it has a low glycemic index to boot. It's vaguely reminiscent of an "Asian chopped salad." Simply mix together:

• 1 clementine, sectioned
• 2-3 radishes, sliced or chopped
• 1 scallion, chopped
• handful of roasted almonds, chopped
• sliced grilled chicken, optional
• romaine or butter lettuce
• balsamic vinegar & olive oil