Diabetes is a disease in which your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, resulting in elevated glucose levels in your bloodstream. Left untreated, diabetes can result in seizures, coma and even death. Exercise plays an important role in helping to regulate blood sugar and keep diabetics healthy. Failure to include exercise in a diabetic patient's daily routine may lead to serious health problems.
Types 1 and 2
Diabetes is generally classified as either Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1 is often discovered earlier in life and requires daily insulin injections to keep blood sugar at manageable levels. Type 2 is usually brought on by an underlying condition such as obesity or kidney disease; patients may not require the injections. Including exercise with either type of diabetes is important in managing the disease. Exercise requirements differ depending on the type of diabetes you have. With Type 1, you should exercise after you eat and monitor your blood sugar before and after. You may need to eat just before you work out and adjust your insulin dose. You should also inject yourself in a non-active muscle. With Type 2, you should start an exercise regimen slowly, and gradually increase the intensity. Infrequent exercise or failure to exercise could lead to the need for medication increases in Type 1 diabetics, and insufficient weight management in Type 2 diabetics.
Coronary Disease
Coronary artery disease is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and one of the problems you may face by not including exercise as part of your ongoing treatment. By not exercising, your LDL or bad cholesterol levels can rise, and you will lose the benefit of your HDL or good cholesterol being raised. Your blood pressure may creep up, and end up causing coronary artery disease. From there, you face greater risk of heart disease and stroke.
Blood Sugar
Exercise has a regulating effect on your blood sugar levels, and can really make a difference in your diabetes, especially with Type 2. When you don't exercise, your muscles are unable to use the insulin in your body as efficiently and effectively. The result could be fluctuating blood sugar levels, and an increase in the amount of insulin you need each day if you are insulin dependent.
Exercises
It is easy to fall into a rut and stop exercising. To ensure you stick to exercise and reduce health risks, choose exercise that you enjoy. Aerobic activities such as jogging, swimming, cycling and jumping rope will help. If you prefer sports, then soccer, hockey, racquetball and tennis all can get your heart pumping and offer benefits.
Considerations
Consult your doctor before you start your exercise plan. Ask your doctor, family or friends for support and motivation to keep you on track with your exercise. Consider using a trainer at the gym to keep you moving when you don't feel like it. Remember to wear footwear that will protect your feet as you exercise. Diabetics are prone to foot infections and circulation problems, so foot safety is paramount. Exercise at least 20 minutes per session, at least three times a week, at an intensity that raises your heart rate. Daily exercise should be your goal.
