P90X & Diabetes

P90X & Diabetes
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

If you have diabetes, staying in shape and keeping your weight within a healthy range is important for good health. Intense cardiovascular training is something that will help you tone and build muscle groups while keeping your heart healthy. The P90X Extreme Home Fitness Training System can help control your diabetes. It is important to note that the P90X system is not for beginners. It is recommended that you seek approval from your physician before starting this exercise program.

P90X

When you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels can be severely affected by your diet and weight. Getting those pounds off will help you keep blood sugar levels in the normal range and help you manage your diabetes easier. The P90X program is a type of home fitness training system that is designed to be used for 90 days. It includes intense workout DVDs that focus on individual body parts. The system works you hard -- up to 90 minutes per day. Exercises include cardio, martial arts, yoga and stretching routines. You will need resistance bands in order to complete the workouts. The end goal is weight loss, a slim physique and toned -- ripped muscles.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that targets the endocrine system. With diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or it the cells in the body ignore the insulin. The result is a buildup of blood sugar or glucose in the bloodstream. Over time, excess blood sugar can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, diabetic neuropathy, stroke and poor blood circulation. Diabetes has three types -- type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes because it is often diagnosed in childhood. With type 1 diabetes, your body fails to make sufficient insulin and insulin injections are required as a part of daily living. Type 2 diabetes is often called adult-onset and can be brought upon by being overweight or obese. Glucose lowering medications such as glucophage along with a low sugar diet are often part of the treatment plan. Gestational diabetes occurs in the pregnant mother. Blood glucose levels are often closely watched to avoid complications throughout the pregnancy.

Health Benefits

The P90X system can help with some health concerns related to your diabetes. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests that healthy adults need 30 minutes of exercise per day up to five days a week for optimal health and for disease prevention. The P90X system allows you to push yourself to your physical limits by adding strength and resistance training to your cardio workout. Using the P90X system may help you avoid some of the dangerous effects of diabetes such as obesity, high blood pressure, blood clots, kidney disease and peripheral arterial disease.

Health Concerns

While exercise is a benefit for anyone, it can cause problems if you already have diabetes complications. Because the system is considered an intense workout, if you have had a heart attack, stroke or have high blood pressure, you may not be able to benefit from P90X. If you have skin complications such as foot ulcers, severe diabetic neuropathy or a previous amputation, refrain from using the system for safety reasons. You also need to closely monitor your blood sugar levels before and after a workout to avoid hypoglycemia or a sudden drop in blood sugar levels.

References

Article reviewed by Greg Duran Last updated on: Dec 28, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries