Exercise For Diabetics
The most common types of
diabetes are known as Type 1 and Type 2.
The Type 1 diabetes, which is also known as adolescent diabetes, differs
from Type 2 in the sense that the body will stop producing insulin
altogether. Type 2 diabetes is normally diagnosed
in older adults and occurs as the body stops producing enough insulin or the
individual becomes resistant to their own body insulin.
No matter what form of
diabetes it is, you'll lose ability to adequately utilize sugar. The blood sugar levels will increase due to
the body's difficulty in transporting sugar into the cells and out of the blood
stream. There are several ways to lower
your blood sugar levels, including diet, exercise, and medication.
As a whole, exercise is a
very important part of diabetic management for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. Those that have Type 1 will find regular exercise
helps to maintain insulin sensitivity, to prevent the accumulation of excess
weight, and also increases the use of glucose by muscles. Although there is
really no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it is possible to prevent Type 2
diabetes.
The things to consider
when you attempt to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes are regular exercise supplementation
with vitamins and herbs that will help to prevent insulin resistance and proper
control of weight.
Not only with exercise
help directly with diabetic management by lowering blood sugar levels and maintaining
insulin sensitivity, but it will also help minimize several of the
complications that can occur in a diabetic individual. Research has shown that walking 30 minutes
each day can diminish the possibility of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Almost all diabetics tend
to develop circulatory problems and exercise can help lower blood pressure and
improve circulation throughout the body.
Seeing as how people with diabetes tend to have poor blood flow to their
lower areas and feet, better circulation is a great benefit.
Even though there are
risks associated with exercise, the potential benefits will outweigh the
risks. Exercise does indeed lower blood
sugar levels, so those with diabetes should measure their blood sugar both
before and after they exercise. Since your body uses more sugar while you
exercise and makes you more sensitive to insulin, there is a risk of blood
sugar becoming too low and causing hypoglycemia as a result.
Whenever you exercise, it
is important to let others know that you are diabetic. They should also be informed about what they
should do in case of hypoglycemia. To be on the safe side, you should always
carry candy or fruit juice with you to treat low blood sugar when it occurs.
During and after you have
exercised, you should pay very close attention about how you feel, since rapid
heart beat, increased sweating, feeling shaky, or hunger can signal that your
blood sugar levels are getting too low.
With diabetic management
and treatment, exercise is very important.
Exercise will help with blood sugar control when the muscles use more
glucose and the body becomes more
sensitive to insulin. Exercise will also
help to prevent and minimize common diabetic complications which include heart problems,
high blood pressure, and circulatory deficiencies.
If you are a diabetic,
exercise should be part of your daily routine.
You should always exercise at a slow pace and never overdo it. Also, you should be sure to exercise around
people you know or at a gym, so there will always be people around you in case
something goes wrong. Being a diabetic doesn't
have to hinder your life or your performance, as exercise can help you get your
life back on track and heading in the right direction -the healthy direction.