People suffering from diabetes must not accept their medical condition as debilitating or even disabling. The level of sugar in blood can be perfectly controlled with insulin or oral antiglycemic agents depending on the type of disease. Apart from medications such individuals are due to make adequate dietary changes. What is more, they are also advised to engage in some physical activity which can be more then beneficial for their body and will also assist in maintaining optimal levels of sugar in blood. But prior engaging in physical activity, especially more strenuous one, diabetic patients are due to consult their physicians who may make some changes regarding the diet and drug intake prior and after the training.
Exercise Benefits for People with Diabetes
Exercises and regular physical activity are known protective factors for many illnesses. They may prevent diabetes from occurring in the first place. Also, once the disease strikes, staying physically active can only help patients obtain better control over the illness.
Exercises are known to reduce blood sugar level, improve insulin sensitivity and make the heart and other organs in the body stronger. Furthermore, people who exercise regularly reduce the risk of weight gain and may even lose excess weight. This is of major importance for type 2 diabetes because such patients are commonly obese. Aerobic exercises are particularly beneficial and may efficiently help the body establish control over high glucose and cholesterol levels as well as hypertension.
Diabetic patients are recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity or 90 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic exercise. The best results are achieved if one is physically active for 3 days per week and never abstain from exercises for more than 2 consecutive days.
Precautions Regarding Diabetic Patients and Exercise
Prior starting with any kind of strenuous physical activity, people suffering from diabetes need to undergo a thorough physical exams. The doctor needs to evaluate heart risks and perform some additional tests and exams.
People who have led sedentary lifestyles are at higher risk for heart disease and they are generally recommended lower-intensity exercises created by their physicians.
Strenuous strength training (high impact exercise) is forbidden for patients with uncontrolled diabetes because such training can only contribute to weakening of the already damaged blood vessels in the eyes and may cause injury to the blood vessels in lower extremities (to be precise in the feet).
Doctors also recommend changes when it comes to dose of insulin and oral antiglycemic agents prior exercising. It may be necessary to control sugar level during exercising and make corrections if necessary.
It is also essential to pay attention to gear these people use while exercising. For instance, protective footwear prevents formation of ulcers and wounds on the feet.
Finally, by drinking plenty of fluids patients prevent dehydration and additional health issues.
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