Exercise
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JAVALADYBUG
Posts: 21 Member
Aerobic exercise has significant and particular benefits for people with diabetes. Regular aerobic exercise, even of moderate intensity (such as brisk walking), improves insulin sensitivity. People with diabetes are at particular risk for heart disease, so the heart-protective effects of aerobic exercise are especially important.
Exercise Precautions for People with Diabetes. The following are precautions for all people with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2:
Because people with diabetes are at higher than average risk for heart disease, they should always check with their doctors before undertaking vigorous exercise. High-intensity (not high-impact) exercises are best for people who are cleared by their doctors. For people who have been sedentary or have other medical problems, lower-intensity exercises are recommended.
Strenuous strength training or high-impact exercise is not recommended for people with uncontrolled diabetes. Such exercises can strain weakened blood vessels in the eyes of patients with retinopathy. High-impact exercise may also injure blood vessels in the feet.
Patients who are taking medications that lower blood glucose, particularly insulin, should take special precautions before embarking on a workout program: Monitor glucose levels before, during, and after workouts (glucose levels swing dramatically during exercise). Avoid exercise if glucose levels are above 300 mg/dl or under 100 mg/dl.
Inject insulin in sites away from the muscles used during exercise; this can help avoid hypoglycemia.
Drink plenty of fluids before and during exercise; avoid alcohol, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
Insulin-dependent athletes may need to decrease insulin doses or take in more carbohydrates prior to exercise, but may need to take an extra dose of insulin after exercise (stress hormones released during exercise may increase blood glucose levels).
Wear good, protective footwear to help avoid injuries and wounds to the feet.
Some blood pressure drugs can interfere with exercise capacity. Patients who use blood pressure medication should consult their doctors on how to balance medications and exercise. Patients with high blood pressure should also aim to breathe as normally as possible during exercise. Holding the breath can increase blood pressure.
Exercise Precautions for People with Diabetes. The following are precautions for all people with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2:
Because people with diabetes are at higher than average risk for heart disease, they should always check with their doctors before undertaking vigorous exercise. High-intensity (not high-impact) exercises are best for people who are cleared by their doctors. For people who have been sedentary or have other medical problems, lower-intensity exercises are recommended.
Strenuous strength training or high-impact exercise is not recommended for people with uncontrolled diabetes. Such exercises can strain weakened blood vessels in the eyes of patients with retinopathy. High-impact exercise may also injure blood vessels in the feet.
Patients who are taking medications that lower blood glucose, particularly insulin, should take special precautions before embarking on a workout program: Monitor glucose levels before, during, and after workouts (glucose levels swing dramatically during exercise). Avoid exercise if glucose levels are above 300 mg/dl or under 100 mg/dl.
Inject insulin in sites away from the muscles used during exercise; this can help avoid hypoglycemia.
Drink plenty of fluids before and during exercise; avoid alcohol, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
Insulin-dependent athletes may need to decrease insulin doses or take in more carbohydrates prior to exercise, but may need to take an extra dose of insulin after exercise (stress hormones released during exercise may increase blood glucose levels).
Wear good, protective footwear to help avoid injuries and wounds to the feet.
Some blood pressure drugs can interfere with exercise capacity. Patients who use blood pressure medication should consult their doctors on how to balance medications and exercise. Patients with high blood pressure should also aim to breathe as normally as possible during exercise. Holding the breath can increase blood pressure.
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This is so helpful, I have struggled to find some simple guidelines to approach exercise with. Is there more info to offer in the area of managing blood sugar/insulin/and the various forms of exercise? Does what you eat, how long before exercise should you eat factor in to what planning should be done to exercise?0
