Diabetes and Exercise
Effectively managing diabetes in order to offset its associated risks and complications incorporates several methods of maintaining healthy blood glucose levels as well as closely monitoring them. Diabetics have an increased propensity to develop complications including heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Therefore, the establishment of a diabetic lifestyle that lessens the probability of developing diabetes complications is crucial. A diabetic exercise regiment should be adopted in any diabetic lifestyle to diminish the chances of developing diabetes complications.
A diabetic exercise program helps regulate the amount of cholesterol buildup in arteries, the level of sugars present in blood (blood glucose), weight, and blood pressure. Regulating the aforementioned health indicators allows diabetics to avoid health problems that they have the highest probability of developing. Moreover, exercise increases blood flow, which may hinder the progression of diabetic neuropathy – a complication that is characterized by widespread damage to the nervous system.
Types of Exercise
There are several types of diabetic exercise that are beneficial to those suffering from diabetes. Aerobic exercise, which significantly increases heart rate and blood flow, will decrease the chances of developing heart disease, high cholesterol, and stroke. Aerobic exercises including running, swimming, dancing, bicycling, and hiking are only a few examples of the multitude of aerobic exercises a diabetes patient can perform. In conjunction with aerobic exercise, weight lifting is also a practical option. A formal diabetic exercise regiment should be supplemented with an active diabetic lifestyle. Walking whenever possible, using stairs instead of elevators and being active around the house also contribute to lessening the risks of developing diabetes complications.
There are some risks associated with diabetic exercise however; this should not deter diabetics from including exercise in their daily health practices. Occasionally, a diabetic’s blood sugar will drop as a result of exercise – a condition known as hypoglycemia. Consult your doctor to create guidelines for your personal exercise program to avoid and deal with the risks associated with diabetic exercise.
Please keep in mind that this article on Diabetes and Exercise is intended solely as an informational document; consult a licensed physician before making any decisions regarding the management of individual cases of diabetes.
Source: “Diabetes and Exercise”
FamilyDoctor.org
“Types of Exercise”
American Diabetes Association
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