DIABETES AND EXERCISE

Exercise or physical activity is beneficial to people with both types of diabetes. Exercise plays an important role in regulating blood sugar. It helps delay or stop large blood vessel and cardiovascular disease, which is the leading killer of people with diabetes. In addition, exercise can help many people with diabetes to achieve good blood glucose control.

There are many great benefits of exercise. Physical activity:

reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease
reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes
can help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension
helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being
can take some glucose out of the blood to use for energy during and after exercise
helps control weight, develop lean muscle, and reduce body fat

Before beginning an exercise program, anyone with diabetes should have a thorough medical exam. Get an exercise prescription from the healthcare provider. The prescription will set goals as to the types of exercise, how long to exercise, and the appropriate warm-up and cool down exercises.

Then talk with your healthcare team to determine what types of exercise are best for you. They need to be based on your health and your body's needs. If your diabetes has caused problems with your vision, you may want to find an exercise that is done indoors. If you have lost feeling in your feet, swimming may be better than running or walking. Your healthcare team can help you choose fitness goals tailored to your health.

Before exercising, people with diabetes need to test their blood sugar and ketones. If the blood sugar is below 100, eat a snack. Do not exercise if the blood sugar is above 250 milligrams or if the ketones are medium or large. Exercising could make your blood sugar go even higher.

If exercising for a long time, check the blood sugar every 30 minutes. Low blood sugar can occur with exercise. Too much exercise or not enough food may cause it. Eating a snack before exercising can prevent low blood sugar levels. If your exercise activity is extended over a period of time, you can prevent low blood sugar levels by eating a snack every hour.

Inspect your feet before and after exercising. Wear socks that are smooth and wick moisture away from the feet. Wear the right clothing and shoes for the activity to avoid chafing or blisters that could result in an infection.

Drink plenty of fluids before and after exercise. Water is usually the best choice. During strenuous exercise drink a high glucose sports drink to prevent blood sugar from going too low. Carry glucose tablets, a can of regular soft drink, or another fast acting sugar source in case your blood sugar drops. Always wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. Do not exercise before going to bed. Exercise before bed could cause low blood sugar while sleeping.

Call your provider if you have difficulty regulating your insulin while you are exercising regularly. Regular exercise helps people with diabetes achieve good diabetes control and better health.

For more information about diabetes and exercise, contact your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association, call the national office at 800 342-2383, or visit their website at www.diabetes.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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