Diabetes is a debilitating condition if not managed properly. It occurs when the body of a person is not making enough hormone insulin or it can't utilize insulin properly. Without enough supply of insulin, it will result to glucose build up into the blood and not into the cells. When there's too much glucose in the blood, serious health problems may arise.
Aside from implementing the right diet, exercise can also help manage diabetes. It can help control weight and lower blood sugar levels. Furthermore, it lowers the risk of heart disease. Last but not the least, exercise doesn't just improve your overall health, it also helps make you feel good about yourself.
Exercises for Diabetics
Before trying out different kinds of exercises, diabetics should consult with their physician. They are the ones who can tell you what kinds of exercises are right for you. It follows that the type of exercise will depend on whether you've other health problems. Thus, most doctors will advise you aerobic exercises.
With aerobic exercises, you can breathe more deeply and it can make your heart work harder. Some examples of aerobic exercises are:
. Jogging
. Walking
. Bicycling
. Aerobic dance
There are also cases when diabetic patients have nerve problems in their feet or legs. If this is the case, the doctor may advise exercises that will not add more stress on your feet. He or she may advise:
. Bicycling
. Swimming
. Chair exercises
. Rowing
Warming Up
Prior to doing different kinds of exercise, you need to warm up. When you're done, you should also cool down. Warming up is very easy. You just need to spend 5 to 10 minutes doing low intensity exercises like walking. Afterwards, do some stretching exercises for another 5 to 10 minutes. Do these again after your exercises to cool down.
As you begin your exercise routine, go slowly. You can gradually increase the intensity as well as the length of your workouts when you become more fit. Your doctor can give you specific advice regarding this.
Risks of Exercise for Diabetics
It is noted that there may be risks involved when diabetics do exercises. However, doctors note that the benefits still outweighs the risks. Doing exercises can make your body change the way it reacts to insulin. When you do regular exercise, your body becomes more sensitive to it. When this happens, your blood sugar level may become too low after exercising. This condition is known as "hypoglycemia". This is why it's important to check your blood sugar levels prior and subsequent to exercising. You can ask your doctor about the normal blood sugar level before and after exercise.
If, for example, your blood sugar level becomes too high or too low before doing your exercises, it is a good idea to wait until it improves. If you are in very hot or cold conditions, it is even more important to watch your blood sugar levels. This is because temperature can change how your body is able to absorb insulin.
Another thing to do when you are exercising is to drink more fluids. This helps keep you cool. As your body uses up more fluids, the moment you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. This too can affect your blood sugar levels. It is important to drink lots of fluid before, during and after your exercise routine.
Author Resource:
Knowing what causes diabetes can help you understand why there are diabetics that live on insulin shots every day. Aside from knowing what causes diabetes , it is also worth learning about the diet and exercise program suitable for diabetics.
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