The effects of exercise for diabetic patients are more beneficial than detrimental. Exercise benefits in managing diabetes in several ways and when combined with prescribed medication and a diet, the results are usually good as the patient is better able to manage the disease, maintain a healthy weight, and sufficiently regulate his or her blood sugar level. Exercise for a diabetic helps to burn body fat thereby improving the effectiveness of insulin in the body.
Most of the treatment for a diabetic patient is aimed at reducing the person’s blood sugar level and exercise tends to help a lot with that. Exercise makes the muscles require extra energy in the form of glucose and when this is sustained, the body can use up as much as twenty times the amount of glucose it would have required without exercise. The positive effect regular exercise has on a diabetic is such that it could lead to reduced amounts of medication for the patient or even for the medication being discontinued completely.
In addition, regular exercise affects one’s overall health in general. For example, exercise reduces stress, improves muscle strength, and lowers blood pressure, improves blood circulation and energy levels while decreasing the risks for heart disease and stroke and all these indirectly improves a diabetic patient’s condition.
Strength training has also shown to be beneficial in the treatment and management of diabetes as they tend to make the muscles stronger and bigger. The muscle enlargements increase their need for energy as well as its ability to absorb and utilize additional blood glucose to provide fuel. The more glucose absorbed into the muscles and used as fuel, the lower the blood sugar in the blood. Incorporating exercise with management of diabetes does not only improves one’s health and well-being, but it also helps to prevent other conditions and diseases which are the result of excessive glucose in the blood.
Exercise for Diabetics can be useful for both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Exercise, especially aerobics produces an increased insulin sensitivity and a reduction of the daily requirement. It also increases the maximum capacity for oxygen consumption and trains the heart, which is particularly beneficial to anyone suffering from any type of cardiovascular complications. Exercise also helps to reduce the psychological level of anxiety and psychological stress on the patient and improves his or her self-esteem and willingness to participate in society.
Type of Exercise
The blood glucose response or insulin sensitivity depends on whether a physical activity is of very short duration but high intensity, of medium intensity and medium-short duration or low intensity with long duration (often recommended for diabetics).
Different sports impact differently on metabolism. For example, in aerobic exercise, the glucose will be burned completely to provide energy but in anaerobic exercise the glucose is burned only partially and produces little energy and some lactic acid which poisons the muscles. Hence, the sport most suitable for diabetics will consist especially of aerobic medium to low intensity exercise that will enable the patient to train but not strain his or her heart. Walking, swimming, cycling, and jogging are some of the popular recommendations for diabetics.
However, before starting an exercise program, the patient should undergo a medical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic tests, which should evaluate the presence of micro and macro vascular complications that may be adversely affected by the exercise program.
The evaluation should focus on decoding all the symptoms and signs of diseases affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system to determine what exercise routine works best for the patient. The goal should be to help maintain an acceptable quality of life without overloading or damaging the organs.
In summary
We were all created to move, but the exercise should be planned wisely to get the best value from it. This is valid for a healthy person and is even more valid for a diabetic individual. Planning here means it should be done regularly (every day), at the most appropriate time in relation to meals or with respect to reducing one’s blood glucose levels.
This way, exercise will form a very crucial part of treatment for a diabetic patient and have a positive effect on the overall wellbeing of the individual.
- Exercise helps to reduce the body’s insulin requirements.
- Exercise increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
- Exercise helps to lower the blood glucose levels in the body.
- Regular exercise helps to eliminate the need for constant medication, especially when accompanied with a healthy eating plan.
- Exercise also helps to improve circulation, especially in the legs and arms and reduces the chance of any infection.
- Exercise helps to reduce stress, increase energy levels, and improve self-esteem.
Exercise has been proven to be one of the best management tools for a diabetic patient.
Adding exercise to your daily routine will contribute positively in managing and controlling your diabetes better than ever before.
Health is wealth and great health is priceless!
With Love and gratitude as always, Xo!
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not your doctor while I am a health coach by profession. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor does it establish any kind of medical relationship between you and me. I will not be held liable for any damage resulting from or related to your use of this information.