Can People With Diabetes Do All Types Of Exercises Or They Are Limited?
August 26, 2007 by Max Peykar
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Loading ...Now that you have been diagnosed with diabetes it is very important for you to maintain an exercise and heath regime because glucose and insulin in your blood are directly related to exercises. You must take precautions before exercising and consult your doctor to know about your diabetes and exercise.
Your exercise regime depends on the glucose level in your blood and the amount of insulin that you are taking and its effects and vice versa. However, do use an ID tag to indicate that you are diabetics so that you may receive appropriate treatment in emergency cases.
You should start with stretches and warming up exercises for at least five minutes before and after your workout. You must start gradually with a low-impact and simple exercise such as walking, swimming, or biking. You should never start abruptly but start with five minutes of exercise a day and increase this duration gradually. You should avoid muscle building heavy exercises.
If you are an insulin user then you should exercise after eating high carbohydrate food because insulin level and exercise are closely related. You must test your blood sugar before, during and after exercising. But you must not exercise when your blood sugar is more than 240. Since you are diabetic you cannot do just about any exercise. It is important for a diabetic to keep his abilities as well as limitations in mind before starting any diabetic exercise regime.
Regular exercise can help your body respond better to insulin. In case of diabetes (both types) exercising can improve your circulation, especially in your arms and legs where people with diabetes generally have problems.
Exercise can lower glucose in blood level and possibly reduce the amount of medication (insulin) you need to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Exercise can also help reduce your cholesterol and high blood pressure that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you are diabetic you are more prone to these ailments. You can do light exercises which are recommended for blood pressure ailments.
You can do aerobic exercises, which increase insulin sensitivity by decreasing body fat. They help in increasing glucose uptake and storing by the muscles.
Any kind of physical activity that increases your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes and if carried out on a regular basis will be beneficial. Walking is the most safe, valuable and convenient exercise for all kind of diabetics.
Depending upon your abilities, many other types of exercises can burn calories and bring about health benefits. These include swimming, stationary bicycle riding, gardening etc.
Exercising along with a friend helps to motivate and also protect you in case of any emergency and you must also avoid exercising in isolated areas. You should bring fun and diversity in your diabetic exercise regime and listening to music is a great idea. It keeps your mind away from the monotony of the job. Family support and exercising with someone is also helpful.
Posted in Exercise And Diabetes
