Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body metabolizes blood sugar, or glucose. If you have diabetes, the systems that normally keep your glucose at proper levels do not function normally. Too much glucose can cause a variety of health problems, some of which can be exacerbated by some exercises. If you are diabetic, walking on a treadmill can be a beneficial way to exercise if you follow a few important tips.
Heart Disease and Stroke
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states that people with diabetes are at least twice as likely as a non-diabetic to have heart disease or a stroke. For this reason, diabetics are encouraged to exercise to help reduce their chances of developing heart disease. Walking on a treadmill is a suitable form of exercise if you have diabetes, but avoid running or other jarring, high-impact movements.
Foot Problems
Over time, nerve damage can occur in your feet through repeated exercise, including walking on the treadmill. You may lose sensitivity in your feet. Poor blood flow may occur or the shape of your feet or toes may begin to change. With less sensitivity, you may not realize that your feet are getting blisters or suffering further damage. When walking on the treadmill, always wear clean socks and shoes that fit properly. After you finish your workout on the treadmill, wash your feet daily in lukewarm water, dry them gently -- especially between the toes -- moisturize them with lotion and check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, sores, redness or swelling.
Bone and Joint Problems
Individuals with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a bone condition characterized by low bone mass, increased fragility and risk of fractures and decreased bone quality. Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, helps load the bone and strengthen it over time. This can prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis. If you feel pain in the bones of your lower body, hip or back when walking on the treadmill, stop the activity and check with your physician about whether to continue this weight-bearing exercise.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
When you begin walking on a treadmill, your body will respond by using glucose to provide fuel to the working muscles. This will cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, requiring careful monitoring and recording. Take your blood sugar reading before using the treadmill and again afterwards. You should even continue to monitor your blood sugar later in the day, following your treadmill exercise, as fluctuations may be delayed. Carefully write down your readings and work with your health care provider to adjust your medications appropriately.
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