Diabetes and Exercise – The following information will help to design and implement on exercise program for yourself, family member or class participant that has diabetes
With diabetes, the body does not produce adequate insulin. Insulin helps to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood stream. There are two types of diabetes; Type I or insulin-dependent diabetes (formerly called juvenile diabetes) and Type II or non-insulin dependent (also known as adult on-set.) Type I diabetics must take insulin whereas individuals with Type II diabetes can control their blood glucose level with oral medications. Most people who develop Type II diabetes are over 40 years of ages and many are obese.
Exercising vigorously just once a week reduces your risk of Type II diabetes by 23%. According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, this study of over 21,000 male physicians (aged 40 – 84) found that the more one exercise, the lower the risk of diabetes. Exercising vigorously from two to four times a week reduced risk by 38%, and exercising five or more times a week reduced risk by 42%. Lack of exercise contributes to as much as quarter of the cases of Type II diabetes, according to authors of this study.
The following information will help to design and implement on exercise program for yourself, family member or class participant that has diabetes. Before starting or modifying an exercise program, it is advisable for all individuals to consult their primary care giver.
General Cautions
Avoid stressful activities to your feet, such as jogging. Protect your feet, always dry between toes after bathing or swimming and always wear suitable footwear to avoid blisters or abrasions.
When blood sugar levels are above 300 mg, do not exercise. Diabetics with retinopathy should avoid intense exercise such as heavy weight lifting, sprinting, etc.
Guidelines
Exercise heart rates should be between 50% and 70% of maximal heart rate. Consult physician to determine the correct level of insulin for activity/exercise. Persons who experience hypoglycemia should have easily digestible carbohydrates available at all times.
- Don’t exercise on an empty stomach
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Always warm up and cool down
- Exercise at scheduled times to minimize blood sugar fluctuations.
- Try to exercise with a buddy
Be alert for signs of HYPOGLYCEMIA:
- Double Vision
- Fatigue
- Excessive Hunger
- Increased Heart Rate
- Excessive Sweating
- Trembling
Be alert for signs of DIABETIC COMA:
- Increased Thirst
- Increased Urination
- Stomach Pain
- Dehydration
- Drowsiness
- Faulty Breath
- Nausea
Regular exercise can help stabilize the diabetic condition, decrease the need for insulin, improve body composition, lower cholesterol levels and avoid further complications. If you have diabetes or are at risk, it is not an excuse to avoid exercise, rather a reason to exercise!
| THE EFFECTS OF TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE INSULIN | ||
| Insulin Reaction | Diabetic Coma | |
| Onset: | Rapid (minutes) | Gradual (hours) |
| Symptoms | Headache Nausea Vomiting Tremulousness Irritability |
Fatigue Thirst Hunger Frequent Urination |
| Skin: | Cold & Moist | Warm & Dry |
| Breathing: | Normal / Shallow | Deep |
| Urine: | Negative Glucose Negative Acetone |
4 + Glucose Positive Acetone |
| Treatment: | Sugar | Insulin Medical Attention |
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
The information contained in or made available through This Site cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any treatment, drug, food or supplement. You should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.