Dr. Steven Edelman and dietitian Lorena Drago discuss nutrition and practical ways to eat well with diabetes, at home or at your favorite restaurant. Series: Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) [12/2008] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 15595]
Exercise is a vital part of the management of diabetes. All diabetics should aim to make exercise a part of their daily routine. Exercise can help to improve the quality of life for diabetics. But there are some safeguards to consider before you start an exercise regime. It is wise to consult your health professional before you begin. This would be true for anyone, but it is especially so for someone who suffers from diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 usually manifests itself at an early age. It is sometimes referred to as adolescent diabetes. In Type 1 the body cannot produce enough of its own insulin. Type 2 diabetes manifests itelf later in life. In Type 2 diabetes the body fails to produce adequate levels of insulin or it becomes resistant to its own insulin.
In both types of diabetes the body is unable to process sugar properly. Blood sugar levels increase because the body cannot transport sugar to the cells where it is needed. It becomes essential to reduce blood sugar levels. This can be done by medication, by diet and by exercise.
Exercise can, therefore, be a valuable tool in diabetes management. This is true for both types of diabetes. Whether an individual has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes they can benefit from exercise.
Type 1 diabetics will benefit from exercise because it can assist in the maintainance of insulin sensitivity and increases the use of glucose by the muscles. Exercise will also help to avoid excessive weight gain. Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, but some of the health problems associated with it can be reduced by means of exercise.
Type 2 diabetics will also benefit from exercise. Type 2 diabetes is preventable and exercise will help in its prevention. Even such a simple activity as a 30 minute walk every day can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
To sum up: exercise will reduce blood sugar levels and help maintain insulin sensitivity. It will also improve circulation. This is important for diabetics because they are known to have circulatory problems. Diabetics often suffer from poor circulation in the legs and feet. Exercise helps to promote blood circulation. Regular exercise will also help to lower blood pressure and so reduce the risk of stroke.
There are, however, certain risks associated with exercise for diabetics. Since exercise lowers blood sugar diabetics must measure their blood sugar levels before and after exercise. The body will use more sugar during exercise and become more sensitive to insulin. Exercise can potentially result in hypoglycemia. Checking blood sugar levels will avoid this danger. With this precaution the benefits of exercise will outweigh the possible risks.
A diabetic should also take care to carry candy or fruit juice with them during exercise in case their blood sugar falls too low. They should make sure to inform the staff at the gym or their exericise partners that they are diabetic. An exericse buddy is a good idea for anyone but doubly so for a diabetic. Exercising with a friend can help maintain your motivation and for a diabetic it can help avoid the dangers of your blood sugar falling too low.
Watch out for the tell tale signs of low blood sugar level. Check your heart rate after exercise. Are you sweating abnormally, shaking, or feeling very hungry? These can all be signs of low blood sugar.
The general rule for everyone beginning exercise is to take things slowly. For diabetics this should be emphasised. Build up your routine as your level of fitness improves. Set yourself realistic goals. Begin with short sessions of gentle exercise. Gradually move on to more ambitious targets are you feel confident to do so. There is not need to push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Little and often is the best plan.
Successful incorporation of exercise into your daily routine will significantly improve your quality of life as a diabetic. It will help you manage your condition and avoid many of the health problems associated with diabetes.
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Read this article to know what type of Diabetes Exercises are useful and how they benefit.
Diabetes mellitus is a condition or metabolic disorder where the body is in problem of taking glucose from the blood and delivering it to the rest of the body so that it can be used as energy.
Type I diabetes is recognized by the pancreas making too little or almost no insulin.
Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, is characterized by the pancreas not producing enough insulin to manage glucose levels or the cells not responding to insulin.
It is important for a person who has diabetes to consult with a physician before beginning an exercise program. It is not good for people with diabetes to skip meals at all, but particularly not previous to exercise.
While insulin has many functions in the body, four are mainly vital during or after exercise:
1) Stimulation of glucose uptake into most cells of the body
2) Reserve of glucose release from the liver
3) Inhibition of the discharge of fatty acids from storage depots
4) Facilitation of protein synthesis in the body.
The usual decline in blood insulin during exercise in people without diabetes and in those with Type 2 DM allows the two most important fuels for exercise, carbohydrates and fats, to be mobilized and used by muscle.
Exercise is also known as physical movement and includes anything that gets you moving. Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which lowers blood sugar level.
So the question is what kind of Diabetes Exercise is suitable for diabetes control.
1. Aerobic exercise â
Aerobic exercise helps increases heart and breathing rate. This makes one breathe more sincerely and also makes the heart effort harder. It is fine to plan for a total of about 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Some of the examples of aerobic exercises: –
Take a fast walk either outside or on a treadmill
- Cycling
- Dance classes
- Swimming
- Jogging
- Tennis or badminton
2. Strength training â
Strength training, done numerous times a week, helps build strong bones and muscles. It can be done in following way
- You can join a gym to do strength training with weights or the alternative is to lift light weights at home
3. Flexibility exercises â
Flexibility exercises or stretching exercises helps keep joints flexible and also reduces the probability of injury during other activities. Gentle stretching for 10 to 15 minutes helps the body to warm up, as well as get prepared for aerobic activities.
4. Be on the move all through the day â
Being energetic helps burns calories. For this you can do following in daily life:
« Walk instead of driving whenever probable.
« Take the stairs in place of the elevator
« Work in the garden
« Park your car ½ kilometer before the market begin and go market by walking.
Exercise is necessary whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Exercise has the potential for diabetes control by non medical means, reduce the severity of the disease, and significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications. Exercise can mean the dissimilarity between “medical management” and “lifestyle management” of Type 2 diabetes.
Exercise will greatly help an individual with type II diabetes because of its helpful effects on insulin sensitivity. Exercise involving heavy weights may be terrible for people with blood pressure, blood vessel, or eye problems.
Diabetes Exercise, along with good nutrition, helps decrease body fat, which helps control glucose metabolism. Exercise and good nutrition provide real physical payoffs–they are essential to controlling diabetes. Exercise can help prolong your life and get better the quality of your added months and years.
Glucose levels should be tested before, and after exercise (but after 3 to 5 hours). Proper Diabetes Exercise and nutrition are the best forms of avoidance for type II diabetics.
Aerobic exercise increases insulin sensitivity and, along with proper nutrition, helps reinstate normal glucose metabolism by decreasing body fat. Don’t exercise outdoors on very hot or moist days. To avoid dehydration, drink a cup of cold water before and after you exercise. A personal trainer can help to set up a program for the Type 2 diabetic and help them to exercise properly. People with diabetes must use extra care in preparing for exercise plan because they lack insulin (Type 1 DM) or because the insulin they have is defective in its ability to stimulate glucose uptake (Type 2 DM).
Exercise is an important treatment in normalizing blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes as well as in type 1 diabetes. It is also important to know the type of exercise diabetics should undertake that involve minimizing the risks and at the same time deriving maximum benefits to normalize the blood sugar and giving good health. There are mainly three types of exercises – aerobic, anaerobic and stretching exercises.
Exercise is a vital part of the management of diabetes. All diabetics should aim to make exercise a part of their daily routine. Exercise can help to improve the quality of life for diabetics. But there are some safeguards to consider before you start an exercise regime. It is wise to consult your health professional before you begin. This would be true for anyone, but it is especially so for someone who suffers from diabetes.
That means that intense exercise can help to both prevent and treat diabetes. The most tissue damage occurs immediately after eating when blood sugar levels rise the highest. After you eat, sugar goes from the intestines into the bloodstream. The only places that sugar can be stored are in your muscles and liver. When your muscles are not exercised, they are full of sugar and sugar has no place to go after it enters your bloodstream.
Aerobic exercise, commonly referred to as cardio, raises the heart rate and the breathing rate while working major muscle groups. Cardio burns blood sugar and stored fat, and is recommended by most doctors for their diabetic patients. Dancing, swimming, aerobics, tennis, basketball, and bicycling are all forms of aerobic exercise. Cardio offers all of the benefits mentioned above, and is especially important for diabetics.
Exercises like jogging, swimming, fast walking and cycling are good for diabetics. These exercises help to keep cardiovascular system in good condition. These exercises should couple with stretching exercises as warming and cooling down exercises. A typical exercise session should consist of: 10 minutes of warming up exercise of stretching type; about 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise and finally 5 minutes of cool down and stretching exercise.
A regular exercise program can help the body respond to insulin and is known to be effective in managing blood glucose. Diabetes types exercise can lower blood glucose and possibly reduce the amount of medication one needs to treat diabetes. Some are even able to eliminate the need for any medication. With exercise, one can also improve the circulation in many areas of the body such as arms, legs, fingers and the major joints.
Diabetes Exercise, along with good nutrition, helps decrease body fat, which helps control glucose metabolism. Exercise and good nutrition provide real physical payoffs–they are essential to controlling diabetes. Exercise can help prolong your life and get better the quality of your added months and years.
Read about Herbal Remedies. Also read about Diabetes Natural Treatment and Natural Cure for Diabetes
Physical inability is one of the risk factors when one has the diabetes disorder, hence, diabetes and exercise must go hand in hand. The correlation between diabetes and exercise is the ability of the latter to prolong the life of the afflicted, while the lack of exercise on the other hand can lead to diabetes.
Diabetes is having high blood sugar level due to the non-conversion of glucose to energy from the food that we eat like sugar and starches.Nevertheless we can also high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) if sugar and starches are not burned naturally via exercise.
How does a Diabetic Benefit from Exercise?
1. Improved blood circulation in the arms and the legs.
2. Reduced cholesterol level and high blood pressure. This will prevent stroke or heart attack.
3. You will maintain the ideal weight by burning the calories or better yet, lose weight.
4. Helps the body react to insulin which could even lead to the elimination of medication.
5. Relief from stress brought about by the diabetes disease.
However, before you engage in any particular form of exercise, better see your doctor for the proper exercise program.
When is the Appropriate Time to Exercise?
According to the results conducted by the Quebec Heart Institute, there is a considerable reduction in the blood glucose if exercise is done from 4 to 5 hours after eating the last meal.
Therefore, if lunch is taken at 12:00 o’clock noon, the ideal time to exercise is from 4 to 5 in the afternoon. The research also discourages exercise before taking your breakfast.
Diabetes and Exercises that are Best and Effective
Ideally, diabetics should exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour, if possible.
If you’re suffering from diabetes, you can choose between aerobic and anaerobic exercises:
a. Aerobic- In this type of exercise, the body uses more oxygen due to the steady exercise for a period of time. The results expected are lower blood lipids, stronger heart and lungs and lower blood pressure. Other forms of exercises may include swimming, brisk walking, jogging, cycling, skiing, and dancing.
b. Anaerobic- This exercise relies mostly on muscles at high rate but shorter period of time hence, the effect on the blood sugar level is not substantial. Examples are weightlifting, sprinting or any other sports that require rapid burst of exercise.
There are 3 categories of anaerobic exercises:
1. Isotonic- This exercise aims to enhance power, muscle strength and endurance by means of pulling, lifting or pushing different weights at steady speed. Examples are lifting of weights or dumbbells; and springs and bands.
2. Isometric- This is based on muscle contraction on immovable object to strengthen the muscle tension like pushing a wall. This is currently used in rehabilitation purposes.
3. Calisthenics- This exercise does not require the use of weights but helps to be more flexible and boost body strength. Examples are push-ups, sit-ups and squats.
When is Exercise not Beneficial to the Diabetic?
Generally, diabetes and exercises have a compatible correlation. However, there are times that exercise is not applicable. If your blood sugar rose higher than your blood sugar level at the time that your diabetes was diagnosed, it would be better to temporarily suspend routine exercise and refer the matter to your doctor.
Although sugar levels may vary per laboratory, the normal blood sugar level is 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). At a pre-diabetic stage it may range from 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl. Persons suffering from diabetics have 126 mg/dl or higher.
Hence, if in spite of regular exercises your blood sugar level does not improve or becomes higher, it would be best for you to stop the exercise routine and consult your physician.
Exercise should also be aided by proper diet to attain good results and only forms part of a natural cure. Thus, diabetes and exercise plus a diabetic’s diet can prolong and promote a better life despite diabetes.
Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and diabetes natural treatment. Discover how you can reverse your diabetes for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusdiabetes.com
Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and weight loss.
He had published many health articles online, is a platinum expert author in EzineArticles and writes for Health Central, which is a leading health authority website.
Some of his sites includes:
High Blood Pressure Treatment & Medications Reviews
Dec 27
DIABETES EXERCISES
How does exercise help diabetes?
Exercise is a great way to help control weight and it also lowers the blood sugar level. It also lowers a person’s risk of heart disease – a condition that is very common in people who have diabetes.
Exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and increase your overall health.
What kind of exercises to be done?
There are no specific exercises for one to do. Choose any cardio exercise (walking, running, cycling, aerobics, skating, warm-ups and cool-downs, tennis, etc.) – anything that increases the heart rate.
Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and keeps the exerciser’s muscles warm. Strength training builds stamina, while improving both joints and muscles. Warm-ups and cool-downs are essential for the safety of the exerciser.
No matter what kind of exercise one does, make sure to warm up before starting, and cool down when done. To warm up, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing a low-intensity exercise such as walking.
Then gently stretch for another five to ten minutes. Repeat these steps after exercising to cool down.
When you start an exercise program, go slowly. Gradually increase the intensity and length of the workout as one gradually gets more fit.
Consult a doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you, depending on whether one has any other health problems.
1. Aerobic exercise -
Aerobic exercise helps increase heart rate, as well as breathing rate. This makes one breathe more deeply and also makes the heart work harder. It is best to aim for a total of about 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Here are some examples of aerobic exercises:
· Take a brisk walk either outside or on a treadmill
· Dance classes
· Swimming
· Jogging
· Roller-skating
· Tennis or badminton
· Indoor stationary bicycle
2. Strength training -
Strength training, done several times a week, helps build strong bones and muscles. Some ways to do it:
· Join a gym to do strength training with weights.
· Lift light weights at home
3. Flexibility exercises -
Flexibility exercises, also called stretching, helps keep joints flexible and reduces the chances of injury during other activities. Gentle stretching for 5 to 10 minutes helps the body to warm up, as well as get ready for aerobic activities.
4. Be on the move throughout the day -
Being active helps burns calories. The more you move around, the more energy one will have.
« Walk instead of driving whenever possible.
« Take the stairs instead of the elevator
« Work in the garden or do some housecleaning every day
« Walk to the market; park your car ½ kilometer before the market.
Are there any risks associated with exercising for people with diabetes?
There are some mild risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. So, its necessary to moderately exercise daily the right way.
Exercise changes the way in which the body reacts to insulin. Regular and strenuous exercise makes the body more sensitive to insulin, and thus, the blood sugar level may suddenly get too low after exercising.
Therefore, it is important to check the blood sugar level before and after exercising, and follow the doctor’s advice as suggested for low blood sugar.
If the blood sugar level is too low or too high right before one starts exercising, it is better to wait until the level improves, and normalizes.
It is also important to keep a check on blood sugar level if exercising in extreme hot or cold conditions, because temperature affects how the body absorbs insulin.
Should one drink plenty of fluids during exercising?
Yes. While exercising, our body uses more fluid to keep the body temperature cool. Therefore, by the time one feels thirsty, he may already be getting dehydrated. Dehydration can seriously affect the blood sugar level in the body.
Drink plenty of fluids, water before, during and after exercise.
What safety tips to follow while exercising?
Exercise can affect and lower the blood sugar level, so pay attention to possible warning signs during workout such as:
· Sudden change in heartbeat
· if one starts sweating more
· feels shaky, anxious or hungry
· feeling weak or dizzy
If you feel this way, stop exercising and check out on a doctor. It might be hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. It is normally recommended to keep candy, glucose biscuits or juice nearby to treat hypoglycemia.
Exercise tips for people with diabetes:
· Talk to the doctor about the right exercise for you.
· Check blood sugar level before and after exercising.
· Wear the proper shoes and socks, so as to avoid infection and blisters.
· Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercising.
· Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
· Have some juice handy in case blood sugar level drops too low.
For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com
For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com
Q. What are the benefits of exercise?
A. For people with diabetes, the benefits of exercise are blood glucose level improvements, stress reduction, increased energy, weight control, and for those who participate in regular physical activity, which includes moderate aerobic exercise, there will be a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.
Q. How do I begin an exercise program?
A. Schedule a physical exam with your physician before beginning your exercise activities. This is especially important if you have not been active recently. An EKG or ECG test (electrocardiogram) may be recommended by your doctor along with a graded exercise test to evaluate how exercise may effect your heart. Ask your doctor what types of exercise are best for you.
For any recommended exercise program, remember to begin slowly and safely, and gradually increase your physical activity level over time.
Q. What is an exercise goal?
A. Remember to discuss with your doctor how often to exercise, and what level of intensity at which you shoudl perform. Begin any exercise program with a slow, steady pace. Try to be active for at least 20 minutes in the beginning. You can steadily increase the time period for exercise over an eight (8) week period.
Research has proven that weight lifting (anaerobic exercise) may benefit people with diabetes. This type of exercise is known as “resistance training.” Lifting heavy weights may not be helpful for persons with certain diabetes complications, so always comply with your physician’s recommendations.
Q. What are the different types of exercise?
A. There are two main types of exercise, anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise involves lifting weights or using exercise bands. Activity usually lasts for a shorter duration and involves intense activity done in short bursts. Anaerobic exercise is commonly known as “resistance training” and the goal is to build muscle and increase strength.
Aerobic exercise works the large muscle groups in the arms and legs. Examples of this include: jogging, brisk walking, swimming, biking, dancing, biking and rowing. Aerobic exercise gradually increases the heart and breathing rates. Aerobic exercise is usually recommended for most diabetic patients because of the proven benefits to the cardiovascular system (heart, lungs, and blood vessels).
Q. What if I have had a sedentary lifestyle?
A. You will improve your overall health by increasing your activity level. Take advantage of any opportunity to bend and stretch as much as possible during the day.
To make your day more active, here are some simple tips to get ready, get set, and get moving:
Parking your car further away from the store when you go shopping Use stairs rather than elevators whenever possible Communicate with neighbors or co-workers by stopping by in person, rather than using the phone to call Stay active at home with light gardening and housework chores
Q. What are the strategies for exercising success?
A. Make exercise part of your daily schedule – even small increases in physical activity will be beneficial to your health. Being active simply means moving more!
All physical activities should begin with a warm-up, and then progress to the chosen exercise. After exercising; remember to have a cool-down period. You will see the most progress with your exercise plan when you are consistent with a specific type of activity. For example, if you chose to walk, try to find the most convenient time of day for walking, and then stick to it.
Your exercise program should always include these three (3) essential elements:
Warm-up: Approximately 5-10 minutes of stretching and bending. This will prevent injuries to muscles and joints.
Activity: 20 minutes (or more) of sustained physical activity. This includes walking, biking, aerobics, swimming, or other sports, such as tennis or racquetball. Cool-Down: Gradually reduce your activity, and then stretch for at least 5 minutes.
Q. Are there any exercise precautions or other guidelines?
A. Remember, exercise will lower your blood glucose level. If you feel symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), take glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. Avoid very vigorous activity when the insulin activity is peaking (insulin is working at the hardest level). If you plan to exercise at moderate or high intensity, check your blood sugar before beginning your exercise. If the blood glucose level is below 100 mg/dl, eat a light snack with a carbohydrate source before exercising. Remember, low blood sugar can occur shortly after exercise or up to 24 hours after physical activity, so monitor blood glucose levels regularly.
When purchasing shoes for exercise, protect your feet with properly fitting shoes and socks. Plan to purchase your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are larger. Avoid open-heeled or open-toed shoes.
Shoe-Fit guidelines: the in-step of the shoe should conform to your the size and the shape of your foot. Your toes should have some “wiggle-room” – the shoes should securely fit at the heel to prevent slipping.
Sock Suggestions: White socks should be used, and they should be soft and padded with no seams.
Diabetic patients need adjustments in insulin dosing or eating schedule. Food intake may need adjusting to prevent low blood sugar when exercising. For example, if you will be bike riding, do not
inject insulin into your leg. Insulin should not be injected into a body part that you will use during exercise.
Wear medical identification as a precaution when exercising.
Remember to drink water and stay well hydrated. At least 64 ounces of water should be consumed daily.
You can find more articles at Destination Diabetes
Jeanna Rhoulhac, RD, LD/N, CDE, has been dedicated to helping people with diabetes for almost 20 years. Jeanna?s interest in diabetes began at an early age as her maternal grandmother had type 2 diabetes. From this, she developed an interest in learning more about how the foods we consume can impact our health.
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