Exercise
is an important part of health for everyone. Those with diabetes
mellitus (DM), also called diabetes, realize more benefit than
most from exercise. There are, however, special things to consider
in regard to exercise in those with diabetes.
For those who are not familiar with diabetes, the main underlying
problem is an increased blood level of glucose, which is the body's
main form of sugar. This occurs because the body cannot make enough
of a hormone called insulin to meet its needs. The increased blood
sugar that results can lead to many different problems affecting different
parts of the body. These can range from blindness and impotence to
heart attacks, kidney failure and the need for leg amputations.
There
are two types of DM. The first type, called type I, generally
begins under age 30 and affected people are usually thin. These people
often can't make any insulin and require insulin injections to live.
The more common type of DM, called type II, tends to affect
people over 30 and affected people are usually obese. Many people
with type II DM make insulin, but their bodies are resistant to its
effect. People with type II DM can often take pills to control their
blood sugar.
Exercise can help prevent or delay many of the complications of DM.
The most important complication of DM is heart disease. Heart disease
is the number one cause of death in the U.S., whether a person has
DM or not. Diabetes is one of the most potent risk factors for heart
disease. The risk of heart disease is decreased by regular exercise.
Exercise has many different effects on the body. Exercise has been
shown to lower the blood sugar by increasing the amount of glucose
used by the muscles. Exercise also makes the body more sensitive to
the effects of insulin. People with DM may actually be able to decrease
their need for medications through regular exercise. People with type
II DM may even be able to stay off medications completely by exercising.
The weight loss that often occurs with regular exercise can also decrease
the need for medications in those with type II DM. Those with type
I DM will still need insulin injections, but the dose may be lower.
The type of exercise usually advised is aerobic exercise. This is
the exercise that increases the heart rate and breathing. Walking,
jogging, dancing, bicycling and swimming are some of the activities
that are usually advised. Those who have problems with the nerves
in their feet or legs from diabetes are usually asked to do exercises
that are not hard on the feet. For example, swimming or chair exercises
can be done.
All people are advised to warm up before exercise and cool down properly
afterward. People should start slowly and gradually increase exercise
over a period of months. A good goal for most people to try to reach
is exercising for at least 30 minutes, 4 or more times per week.
A doctor or exercise physiologist should always be consulted before
starting an exercise program because there are risks involved. In
some people with diabetes, the blood sugar may become too low during
exercise. This condition is called hypoglycemia. Those with diabetes
are often advised to carry a sugary snack, such as candy or juice,
in case symptoms of hypoglycemia develop.
People with diabetes that are on medications are advised to check
their blood sugar before and after exercise. If the blood sugar is
too high or low before exercise, a person should not exercise until
the levels improve. Exercise can be risky for those with foot problems
or heart disease. Special exercise programs are often needed for diabetics
with these conditions. Though there are risks, it's important to realize
that the benefits of exercising far outweigh the risks for almost
everyone. Certain people, however, may need special types of exercise
programs designed for them because of their diabetes or complications
of DM.
DM is a common disease with serious complications, including early
death. Those affected are advised to engage in regular exercise under
the supervision of their doctor. In addition to the mentioned health
benefits, exercise also improves anxiety, depression, self-esteem
and the overall sense of well-being. Given all these potential benefits,
why not start today?
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