Diabetes mellitus is the term used to describe a group of diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by the body's short supply of insulin or its inability to use insulin efficiently. Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of eye, nerve and kidney disease, as well as heart disease, stroke and lower-extremity amputation. If you are diabetic, regular exercise may reduce your risk of developing complications that can result in premature death or disability.
Types of Diabetes
Three major forms of diabetes mellitus include gestational, Type I and Type 2 diabetes. Women who become intolerant of glucose during pregnancy suffer from gestational diabetes and are at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin; patients diagnosed with this form of diabetes require daily insulin shots. In Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, the body no longer responds to insulin as it should, which results in higher levels of glucose and lipids in the bloodstream.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise, in conjunction with a healthy diet and medications, is an important component of diabetes management. You may improve the management of your blood glucose levels by adopting an exercise regimen. Physical activity increases the body's sensitivity to insulin and burns glucose in the form of calories, thereby reducing blood glucose levels. Regular exercise can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, improve your circulation and may reduce high blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels.
Screening
Before increasing your level of physical activity, you should be screened by a physician who can diagnose and evaluate any complications of diabetes that may be exacerbated by a new exercise regimen. Diabetic complications may affect the kidneys, nervous system, cardiovascular system, eyes and feet. Your physician should use the results of your medical evaluation to recommend an exercise program that meets your needs.
Exercise
The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics incorporate five to 10 minutes of stretching and five to 10 minutes of warm-up exercise, such as low-intensity aerobic exercise, before engaging in more intense physical activity, followed by a cool-down period of five to 10 minutes. You should engage in some form of aerobic activity if it is recommended by your physician. Older diabetics may be advised by their doctor to engage in less intense physical activities such as walking, dancing or gardening. Most diabetics can benefit from moderate weight training with light weights and high repetition.
Precautions
Because blood circulation to the lower extremities is often impaired in diabetics, it is important to prevent injury to the feet during exercise. Wear appropriate foot wear, and check your feet for injury after each workout. Stay hydrated and avoid exercising in extreme heat or cold. Type 1 diabetics who participate in physical activities should take steps to prevent an episode of hypoglycemia.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics
- CDC: Strategies for Reducing Morbidity and Mortality from Diabetes Through Health-Care System Interventions and Diabetes Self-Management Education in Community Settings
- "Diabetes Care": Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes Mellitus
- CDC: Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: Top 10 Benefits of Being Active
- American Diabetes Association: What Is Exercise?
