Exercise For Patients With Diabetes

Exercise benefits for diabetics:

  1. Reduced heart disease.
  2. Improves glucose regulation.
  3. Weight loss.
  4. May help reduce the amount of oral insulin medication needed.

Exercise guidelines:

  1. Never inject insulin into the muscle groups that will be used during the exercise session because the insulin will be absorbed too quickly, and may result in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
  2. Check your blood glucose levels before exercise. Its not unusual to get a high reading immediately after exercise which is generally due to stress hormone secretion.
  3. Insulin dosage might change because you are exercising.
  4. Always carry a quick and rapid source of carbohydrate (juice or candy) in case you develop hypoglycemia.
  5. Avoid exercising during periods of peak insulin activity.
  6. The best time to exercise is one to two hours after a meal and before peak insulin activity.
  7. Consume a carbohydrate snack before and during prolonged exercise.
  8. Pay close attention to your feet for signs of blisters and cuts. Wear well-fitting, good quality exercise shoes.
  9. Check your blood glucose levels before and after exercise. You shouldn't exercise if your blood glucose level is below 70 mg/dl or greater than 200 mg/dl. If it’s below seventy have a piece of candy or juice before exercise. If it’s over 200 and you use insulin follow your physician’s sliding scale. If it’s over 200 and you take oral pills, monitor your sugar 2-3 days in a row. Contact your physician for blood sugar management. In any case avoid medium –high intensity exercise if diabetes is not well controlled.
  10. Be aware of exercising in extreme weather conditions. Hot weather can speed up insulin absorption, while cold weather can slow down insulin absorption.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
TYPE: Aerobic exercise like walking, swimming or cycling.
INTENSITY: Low to moderate intensity.
FREQUENCY: For insulin dependent diabetics: five to seven days a week. For non-insulin dependent diabetics: four to five days a week.
EXERCISE DURATION: For insulin dependent diabetics: 20 to 30 minutes per session. For non-insulin dependent diabetics: 40 to 60 minutes per session.