subject: Diabetes Management - Control Your Blood Sugar Level Better By Exercising [print this page] Following a strict diet regime and taking your medication on time are not the only treatment for diabetes. There are many good reasons why exercising and leading an active lifestyle is encouraged for everyone, including diabetic patients. On the other hand, if you are suffering from diabetes, there are certain things that you need to look out for in order to enjoy the full benefits of exercising and staying fit. These precautions will be discussed in this article.
A workout program for a diabetic is not much different from a person without the condition. Usually, the program is structured depending on the results that need to be achieved, and other medical reasons. In a hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic state, you should refrain from exercising until your blood sugar levels return to the optimum levels. If you have other conditions that complicate blood sugar control, then exercising is discouraged too.
It is important to speak with your doctor so that they can establish and confirm that you do not suffer from neuropathy, nephropathy or any other condition that can have its effects magnified following workouts. When your physician gives you the green light, you can proceed to visit the gym as frequently as your workout program requires.
As a precaution before you start to exercise, it is good to keep some carbohydrate snacks by your side to replenish your energy as and when needed. This is to prevent your glucose level from falling below norm when you expend too much energy. Your footwear should be comfortable and fitting, to avoid development of any blisters. You should not over-exert when you initially start to exercise as this can led to excessive adrenaline being released which counteracts the effects of insulin.
Once you have understood these and other precautions you need to take, you can begin exercising. Weight training, if you have the go-ahead to indulge, is highly encouraged. It helps to improve your blood glucose level management and gains muscle for your body as well. Developing muscles will hog a lot of glucose, which is a good thing, since you need the glucose in the blood to be used to keep it from rising.
Aerobic exercises like running on a treadmill will be good for your heart. The same effects of blood sugar level control are achieved with aerobics too. Ideally, your workout programs should start slow, with 30-40 minute sessions two to four times a week, and increase in both duration and intensity the more you get involved. Keep yourself hydrated all through the exercise and ensure you understand what effects specific regimes have on your blood sugar.
There are many benefits derived from exercising. For example, keeping to an exercise routine can actually help you reduce your dependence on diabetes medication. You can also develop better control of your blood sugar if you add proper dieting in the picture. Lastly, you also get to achieve a healthier weight, which is important as far as managing diabetes is concerned. Make exercising a long-term resolution, and the benefits will be life-long as well. Last but not least, you should always keep your doctor updated on your progress.
