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 adolescent diabetes,
differs from Type 2 in that 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 resistent to their own insulin.
With either form of diabetes, we lose our ability to adequately
untilize sugar. Blood sugar levels increase 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 diabetic management for
both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. For the Type 1 diabetic,
regular exercise helps to maintain insulin sensitivity, helps
prevent accumulation of excess weight, and increases the use of
glucose by muscles, thereby lower blood sugar levels. While
there is currently no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it may be
possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes.
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 minimize many of the complications that can arise
in a diabetic individual. Studies have shown that walking for 30
minutes per day can substantially diminish the possibility of
developing Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetics 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 of great benefit.
There are some risks associated with exercise, but 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.
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.
Exercise is a critical part of diabetic management and
treatment. Exercise helps blood sugar control when the muscles
use more glucose and the body become more sensitive to insulin.
Exercise also helps to prevent and minimize common diabetic
complications including heart problems, high blood pressure and
circulatory deficiencies. All diabetics should include a regular
exercise program as part of their overall management plan.
About the author:
Dr. Mark S. Johnson, D.C., FAFICC, QME. For additional
information and valuable resources concerning diabetes, please
go to
http://www.diabetessites.com
