Diabetes and Exercise
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Exercise can help control your weight and lower your blood sugar level. It also lowers your risk of heart disease, a condition which is common in people who have diabetes. Exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and increase your overall health.
Studies have shown that those at risk of Type 2 diabetes could cut their chances of developing the disease by 58 per cent with an exercise program and weight loss. For those older than 60, the risk was cut by 71 per cent. Experts say even a moderate attempt at changing your lifestyle can be effective - such as doing 30 minutes of aerobics a day and losing 5 to 7 per cent of your body weight. The Star Jan 12, 2006-01-12
National studies have shown that exercise alone is the single most important factor for better diabetes control among people with type 1or type 2 diabetes. Exercise not only helps improve physical health, but also relieves stress and allows the mind to relax. Rhode Island Dept. of Health
Regular exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes, and it can help treat and control all varieties of diabetes and many diabetic complications. Physical fitness promotes weight loss, cardiovascular health and control of blood sugar.
What Kind of Exercise Should I Do?
Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you. The type of exercise you can do will depend on whether you have any other health problems. Most doctors recommend aerobic exercise, which makes you breathe more deeply and makes your heart work harder. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, aerobic dance or bicycling. If you have problems with the nerves in your feet or legs, your doctor may want you to do a type of exercise that won't put stress on your feet. These exercises include swimming, bicycling, rowing or chair exercises. No matter what kind of exercise you do, you should warm up before you start and cool down when you're done. To warm up, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing a low-intensity exercise such as walking. Then gently stretch for another 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat these steps after exercising to cool down. When you start an exercise program, go slowly. Then gradually increase the intensity and length of your sessions as you become more fit. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.
Exercise reccommendations with diabetes
Most recommended exercise programs for people with diabetes will include:
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Are There Any Risks to Exercising for People with Diabetes?
Yes, although the benefits far outweigh the risks. Exercise changes the way your body reacts to insulin. Regular exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, and your blood sugar level may get too low (called hypoglycemia) after exercising. You may need to check your blood sugar level before and after exercising. Your doctor can tell you what your blood sugar level should be before and after exercise. If your blood sugar level is too low or too high right before you plan to exercise, it's better to wait until the level improves. It is especially important to watch your blood sugar level if you exercise in really hot or cold conditions, because the temperature changes how your body absorbs insulin.
How Will I Know if My Blood Sugar is Too Low While I'm Exercising?
Hypoglycemia usually occurs gradually, so you need to pay attention to how you're feeling during exercise. You may feel a change in your heartbeat, suddenly sweat more, feel shaky or anxious, or feel hungry. When you feel this way, you should stop exercising and follow your doctor's advice about how to treat hypoglycemia. Your doctor may suggest you keep candy or juice on hand to treat hypoglycemia.
What Else Should I Do to Exercise Properly?
Many people with diabetes have problems with the nerves in their feet and legs, sometimes without even knowing it. So it's important that you wear shoes that fit well and have plenty of room when you exercise. Otherwise you could develop blisters or other sores on your feet that can lead to infection and other problems. You should check your feet before and after you exercise to make sure there are no blisters or other sores.
Should I Drink More Fluids During Exercise?
Yes. When you're exercising, your body uses more fluid to keep you cool. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be getting dehydrated. Dehydration (not enough fluid in your body) can affect your blood sugar level. Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercise.
Exercise Checklist for People With Diabetes
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