Diabetes and Exercise
Regular physical workout has a big impact on diabetes management. A physical workout is equally important to athletes as well as for beginners. Moving your body regularly keeps diabetes controlled and improves overall health.
These are some benefits of exercise for diabetic people:
- Maintains a healthy weight
- Improves mental health
- Gives better sleep
- Improves memory
- Maintains blood pressure
How does exercise impact blood sugar levels?
Exercise impacts blood sugar levels in many ways. The most important thing is physical activity increases insulin sensitivity and allows the body to convert blood sugar into energy. The gained insulin sensitivity can last for several hours after exercise depending on the intensity of the workout. Along with this, people should monitor how exercise is affecting their blood sugar levels. If the person takes insulin, he should check his blood sugar before the exercise. If the person spots a blood sugar level below 100 mg/dl, a 15-30 g carbohydrate is necessary to eat before exercise. But, if the blood sugar levels are above 240mg/dl, it’s considered hyperglycemia and the person should avoid vigorous activity.
What is aerobic and anaerobic exercise?
Diabetic people should know the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is beneficial for the cardiovascular system and less intense, which is good for a diabetic person. Aerobic exercise helps in weight loss, is good for heart health, lowers blood pressure and lowers blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours after a workout. On the other hand, anaerobic exercise is a highly intense workout that pushes people beyond their physical limits. But, for diabetic people, anaerobic exercises are not good, as the body doesn’t get sufficient oxygen and may cause hyperglycemia after an intense workout.
Both aerobic and anaerobic exercises supplement each other and the combination of the two can be very beneficial to manage diabetes, for instance playing sports.
How to make an exercise routine?
Consulting a doctor is important while starting an exercise routine. For a diabetic patient taking precautions is necessary during daily tasks, also in exercise. Having diabetes is a medical condition and it doesn’t stop people from enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
To start a workout routine, people should not go for advanced level workouts, rather should go for a workout they are interested in. Even 30-40 minutes of walking is sufficient for them. Beginning with a light exercise will be a good option. Accompanied by a friend who is consistent with workouts could help diabetics in managing the condition.