Monday, January 30, 2017

Exercise for Diabetics

The two most common forms of diabetes are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile onset diabetes, differs from Type 2 in that with type 1 diabetes the body stops producing insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed in older adults and occurs as the body stops producing enough insulin or the individual becomes resistant to their own insulin.  As obesity increases, there is a larger number of younger adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

With either form of diabetes, a person loses the ability to properly utilize sugar in the body. Blood sugar levels increase in the blood stream due to the body's difficulty in transporting sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream. There are various ways to lower blood sugar levels including exercise, diet, and medications.

Exercise is a very important part of managing your diabetes symptoms for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. For the Type 1 diabetic, regular exercise helps maintain insulin sensitivity, along with preventing the accumulation of excess weight, and it increases the use of glucose by muscles, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. While there is no medically understood way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it may be possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Some of the things to consider when attempting to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes are regular exercise, supplementation with vitamins and herbs that help prevent insulin resistance, and proper weight control.

Exercise not only helps directly in diabetic management by lowering blood sugar levels and maintaining insulin sensitivity, but also helps indirectly by minimizing many of the complications that can often arise in people with diabetes. Studies have shown that walking for 30 minutes per day can substantially diminish the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.
It is understood that diabetic sufferers tend to develop circulatory problems and exercise can certainly help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body. Since individuals with diabetes tend to have poor blood flow to their lower extremities and feet, better circulation is a true benefit.

Although there are some risks associated with exercise, the potential benefits greatly outweigh the risks. Since exercise does lower blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should measure their blood sugar both before and after exercising. Since your body uses more sugar while exercising and makes you more sensitive to insulin, there is a risk of blood sugar becoming too low and causing hypoglycemia.  This is especially true for Type 1 diabetes sufferers.  Always speak with your doctor before beginning any exercise programs.

When exercising it is important to let others know that you are diabetic. They should be informed what to do in case of hypoglycemia. You should always carry candy or fruit juice to treat low blood sugar levels should they occur. During and after exercise sessions, you should pay close attention to how you feel since rapid heart beat, increased sweating, feeling shaky, or hunger can signal that your blood sugar levels are becoming too low.

So remember, exercise benefits diabetic sufferers but as with any lifestyle changes, you need to be aware of how your body reacts to exercise. Speak with your doctor to understand what exercise is best for you, and enjoy the benefits of healthier living.

No comments:

Post a Comment