People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise regularly for better blood sugar control and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. If diet is a cornerstone of controlling diabetes, exercise is the brick on top of the cornerstone. Many people can control their diabetes with diet and exercise alone. Diabetes does not
constitute a contraindication to competitive sport.Regular exercise helps improve the circulation and improve the way the body responds to insulin, either injected insulin or
natural. A diabetic using insulin who starts a program of regular exercise may be able to lower the amounts he or she needs. Exercise also burns calories, which is one way to lose weight. How does exercise work on diabetes? The reason for this is that muscles which are working use more
glucose than those that are resting. Muscle movement leads to greater sugar uptake by muscle cells and lower blood sugar levels.
- Exercise can lower the blood sugar and improve the body's ability to use glucose. With regular exercise, the amount of insulin needed decreases.
- Exercise can also help reverse the resistance to insulin that occurs as a result of being overweight. There is an increase in the number of insulin receptors improving the body's ability to utilize
insulin.
- Exercise improves risk factors for heart disease and decreases the risk of heart problems, which is a major health concern for people with diabetes. This includes the reduction of low density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), or bad cholesterol, which forms plaque that obstructs blood vessels. Exercise promotes the good cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), which is
protective against heart disease. Blood pressure is also lowered through exercise and exercise has been shown to improve mild to moderate high blood pressure.
- Exercise, when combined with a meal plan, has the ability to control Type II diabetes without the need for other medications.
- Regular physical exercise and activity provides an effective way for a person with diabetes to manage their blood sugars
Additional benefits In addition to the benefits specific to diabetes, a person with diabetes will
experience the same benefits and enjoyment everyone else gains from exercise.
- Improved Physical Fitness
. Exercise increases the efficiency of the heart, lungs and circulatory system both at rest and with exercise. The body's improved ability to transport oxygen provides
increased stamina and endurance. You have more energy for greater productivity at work and reserve energy to do the leisurely things you enjoy each day.
- Weight Control
. Exercise can help you to lose weight or maintain your weight. Exercise burns excess calories which are stored as fat cells. This means that at rest you burn more calories than a
sedentary person, increasing your weight loss. An exercise program during weight loss is essential to ensure that the weight lost is fat and not lean body tissue or water weight, which often occurs
from dieting alone. As you become leaner, you look better and you feel better.
- Psychological Benefits
. Exercise is a means of dealing with life's everyday stresses. It also aids in relieving depression and building self confidence. Through exercise, you have more energy,
you are more relaxed and you feel less fatigued.
Insulindependent diabetics must consider their exercise program when giving themselves insulin. It may be necessary for them to reduce the amount of insulin they take before a
period of extended exercise so that they avoid an insulin reaction. They may not need to adjust their insulin dose or schedule for shorter periods of exercise. Diabetics who run or play tennis also may want
to carry small candies around with them in case their bloodsugar levels fall too low. A patient should discuss with his or her doctor the desire to start an exercise program. It is a good idea
to start any exercise program gradually and build it up over time. There are some exercise precautions
which people with diabetes must take, but when done safely, exercise is a valuable aid to optimal health. Diabetics who have lost any sensitivity in their feet, which is
a complication of diabetes, should make sure the athletic shoes fit well. To bye a new shoes, it is advised to do in the afternoon, when the feet are bigger in size compared to morning time. Shoes and socks
should be checked carefully and the feet should be examined daily for blisters or breaks in the skin. If running or walking are too hard on the feet, swimming or bicycling are good alternatives.
Some diabetics who can control their condition with diet and exercise may find they need insulin when they have a cold or infection.
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