Should Diabetics Exercise?

Why is it important for people with diabetes to be physically active? What are some good types of physical activity for people with diabetes? Here are some important answers.

Regular physical activity helps control blood glucose levels, increases energy levels, improves heart health and promotes emotional well being. Barring other medical complications, the majority of people ailing with type 1 and type 2 diabetesdefine should participate in and benefit from at lest 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.

• How can exercise help control diabetes?
Physical activity can help control the blood glucose, weight and blood pressure, as well as raise the ‘good’ cholesterol and lower the ‘bad’ cholesterol levels. Regular exercising also lowers the risk of heart attack, a condition common in people suffering from diabetes.

• How much should people with diabetes exercise?
Experts recommend moderate-intensity physical activity like, brisk walking, mowing the lawn, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes at least 5 days a week. However, if along with diabetes one suffers from high blood pressure, eye or foot problem, one may need to avoid certain kinds of exercise. Consult your doctor about a safe plan.

• What kind of exercise should I do?
People suffering from diabetes should talk over to the physician before starting an exercise program. The doctor will assess the state of health before advising about the type of exercise.

Choose an exercise that is easy and does not strain the body. Best types are walking, cycling, swimming. However, exercises that are static and involve weight lifting and total body straining should be avoided.

• Are there any risks to exercising for people with diabetes?
Yes, although the benefits far outweigh the risks. Regular exercise makes the body more sensitive to insulindefine and the blood sugar levels may get too low, (a condition called hypoglycemia) after exercise. So, one needs to check the blood sugar levels before and after exercising.

• Will I get to know if my blood sugar levels fall while I’m exercising?
Hypoglycemia usually occurs gradually, so one needs to pay attention to how he’s feeling during exercise. One may feel a change in heartbeat, sudden sweating, feel shaky or anxious or feel hungry.

On experiencing any of the above symptoms, one should stop exercising immediately and follow his doctor’s advice about how to treat hypoglycemia. One may keep a candy handy or grab on a juice.

• Should I drink more fluids during exercise?
Yes. When you’re exercising, the body uses more fluids to keep it cool. By the time one feels thirsty, he may be already dehydrated. Dehydration affects the blood sugar levels, so drink plenty of fluids during exercise.