Exercise is an important
part of health for everyone. Those with diabetes mellitus (DM), also called diabetes,
realize the most benefit from exercise. There are, however, special considerations
in regard to exercise in diabetics.
For those who are not familiar with
diabetes, the main underlying problem associated with the disease is an increased
blood level of glucose, which is the body's main form of sugar. This occurs because
a hormone called insulin is not produced in sufficient quantities. 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 sometimes the need for leg amputations.
There are two types of DM. The first type, called type I, generally
begins under the age 30 and affecting people who are usually thin. Since
these people often can't make any insulin and hence require insulin
injections to live. The more common type of DM, called type II, tends
to affect people over the age 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 diabetes 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 can be decreased
by a regular exercise regimen. 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 be able to decrease their need for
medications through regular exercise and type II DM may even be able to stay off
medications completely.
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-walking, jogging, dancing,
bicycling and swimming. 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 e.g., swimming or chair exercises can be done.
All people are advised
to warm up and cool down before and after exercise. 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, four or more times
per week.
A doctor should be always 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 is called hypoglycemia. Those with
diabetes are often advised to carry a sugary snack, such as candy or juice, in
case of emergencies when 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 level improves. 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 exercises under the supervision of their doctor or
exercise physiologist. 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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