|
Exercise is useful for everybody but for diabetics with Type 2 diabetes, it is even more important because exercise plays a vital role for successfully managing diabetes. However, for Type 1 diabetes exercising has no effect and actually it can do you harm. But no matter what type your diabetes is (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational), consulting a doctor before you hit the gym is mandatory.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, chances are that your doctor has already prescribed you medication AND exercise. Yes, you read correctly – exercise is among the standard activities for managing diabetes because the positive effects of exercise over Type 2 diabetes make it a more effective drug than many oral medications. There are many cases when oral medication is temporarily suspended because thanks to exercise, glucose levels have been normalized. The explanation is simple: exercise stimulates glucose processing, which in turn lowers the blood sugar level. The more intense the exercise, the faster the glucose processing. You see why exercise can be a medication substitute for Type 2 diabetes? And also why it has no effect on Type 1 diabetes? But the fact that exercise stimulates glucose processing is a double-edged sward. If you have taken drugs that do the same, when you add exercise, you can easily go below the safe boundary – i.e. by exercise you can lower your blood sugar level below 800-100 mg/dl, which is also dangerous. That is why, testing your glucose levels before, during, immediately and 3-4 hours after exercise is mandatory, if you want to avoid trouble. The after-exercise period poses a risk of hypoglycemia, so you do need to take some carbs. In addition to keeping an eye on your blood sugar level, there is one more consideration you need to have in mind when exercising – comfortable clothes, shoes and socks. Uncomfortable outfit is bad for any athlete and can lead to many injuries but for a diabetic this is even more of an issue because as you know, diabetes often leads to complications such as infections and even the smallest scratch can take ages to heal. There are many sites, which sell diabetic sports outfit, so have a look at them and choose something, which will be both comfortable and healthy. |
