Exercises For Diabetics - How To Manage Diabetes With Exercise

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.

_By: *Abhishek Agarwal*_

*About the Author:*

Abhishek is a Health And Fitness expert and he has got some great
*Fitness Secrets [1]* up his sleeve! Download his *FREE 111 Pages
Ebook*, "Complete Body Fitness" from his website
*http://www.Fitness-Magic.com/71/index.htm [2]*. _Only limited Free
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Links:
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