RSS Feeds

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Exercise For Diabetics

The most common types of diabetes are known as Type 1 and Type 2.  The Type 1 diabetes, which is also known as adolescent diabetes, differs from Type 2 in the sense that the body will stop producing insulin altogether.  Type 2 diabetes is normally diagnosed in older adults and occurs as the body stops producing enough insulin or the individual becomes resistant to their own body insulin.

No matter what form of diabetes it is, you'll lose your ability to adequately utilize sugar.  The blood sugar levels will increase due to the body's difficulty in transporting sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream.  There are several ways to lower your blood sugar levels, including diet, exercise, and medication.

As a whole, exercise is a very important part of diabetic management for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.  Those that have Type 1 will find regular exercise helps to maintain insulin sensitivity, helps to prevent the accumulation of excess weight, and also increases the use of glucose by muscles. Although there is really no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it is possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

The things to consider when you attempt to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes are regular exercise supplementation with vitamins and herbs that will help to prevent insulin resistance and proper control of weight.

Not only with exercise help directly with diabetic management by lowering blood sugar levels and maintaining insulin sensitivity, but it will also help minimize several of the complications that can occur in a diabetic individual.  Almost all diabetics tend to develop circulatory problems and exercise can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body.  Seeing as how people with diabetes tend to have poor blood flow to their lower areas and feet, better circulation is a great benefit.

Even though there are risks associated with exercise, the potential benefits will outweigh the risks.  Exercise does indeed lower blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes should measure their blood sugar both before and after they exercise.  Since your body uses more sugar while you exercise and makes you more sensitive to insulin, there is a risk of blood sugar becoming too low and causing hypoglycemia as a result.

To be on the safe side, you should always carry candy or fruit juice with you to treat low blood sugar when it occurs.

With diabetic management and treatment, exercise is very important.  Exercise will help with blood sugar control when the muscles use more glucose and the body becomes more sensitive to insulin. Exercise will also help to prevent and minimize common diabetic complications which include heart problems, high blood pressure, and circulatory deficiencies.

If you are a diabetic, exercise should be part of your daily routine.  You should always exercise at a slow pace and never overdo it.  Being a diabetic doesn't have to hinder your life or your performance, as exercise can help you get your lifeback on track and heading in the right direction -the healthy direction.

No comments: