Diabetes – Exercise To Control Diabetes

by Julia Hanf

Diabetes is a challenge. However, the enjoyable challenge of exercise can help the majority of diabetics manage their disease. Exercise can directly improve diabetes, as well as increase your overall health and help you ward off future complications. To provide these benefits, it must be properly done.

If you are diabetic you should talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Demand reasonable suggestions and definite answers. You must understand what exercises are safe for you and what things should limit your exercise. This varies between individuals and it may vary for the same person according to their daily condition.

The level of blood glucose rises, for example, in response to exercise. But how much and how rapidly differs from person to person and day to day. A high blood glucose level, say 300 mg/dL can rise even higher with vigorous exercise. Those with Type 1 diabetes who have a fasting glucose level above 250 mg/dL will likely have ketones in the urine. Exercise can raise that further, producing a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

A contrasting condition- -hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can occur because of insulin treatments. Eating carbohydrates will bring the blood glucose back to normal, but this can also lead to weight gain. With time, excess body-fat can worsen the condition of pre-diabetics causing them to develop diabetes.

Any exercise routines should be realistic and begun slowly. Many diabetics need to reduce their level of activity below what would be normal for another person. But they can still benefit from the many positive health effects of a good routine. Just as with the elderly or others who may need to curtail some kinds of activity, the diabetic needs to monitor their condition carefully and exercise appropriately.

Think long term. Even people without any medical condition can become discouraged and give up on exercise too easily. Working muscles that have been sedentary (a lifestyle that often raises the risk of acquiring diabetes in the first place) can lead to soreness and discomfort. That creates negative incentives to continue the exercise program. Starting slowly and working up to greater effort can solve that problem. Adopt exercise as a part of an overall lifestyle, not as a targeted cure for any specific problem.

Walking several times per week is a good start. For those who have access to a pool, swimming is a good cardiovascular exercise category that is easy on the joints.

If you feel too fatigued to begin, talk with your doctor. The problem might be low blood sugar. An appropriate snack before exercise may help. Sometimes a change in medication is needed.

Because blood glucose levels can quickly change as you exercise, they must be monitored during your workout. A device is available which monitors both blood glucose level and the intensity of your workout as you exercise. Whatever monitoring method you chose, remember to pay close attention to your body’s own signs. Stop and cool off if you are dizzy, nauseous, or otherwise distressed.

About the Author:
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