Exercise for Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, simply known as diabetes, is a disease, commonly found in the world today. Diabetes is a condition which results from the disturbance caused in the maintenance of sugar levels in the body. Sugar levels are disturbed owing to problems in insulin secretion by the pancreas. The state in which sugar levels rise is known as hyperglycemia, while hypoglycemia is a state in which the sugar levels drop below the normal level.

Exercise for Diabetes
Exercise holds great importance in the daily routine of a diabetic. It helps in reducing the weight and to burn calories. Exercise helps the body to respond to insulin. It also helps in maintaining the glucose level in blood, which helps cut down the need for medication. Blood circulation in the limbs is improved as a result of regular exercise. Reduction in cholesterol level and maintenance of blood pressure are the benefits of exercise that help in minimizing the possibility of a heart attack. Exercise also helps in reducing stress, which results to a rise in glucose levels.

Aerobic exercises performed by diabetic patients include walking and swimming. These exercises are recommended for Type 2 diabetes patients. Type 2 is a form of diabetes generally found in adults, while Type 1 is diagnosed in children. Aerobic exercise not only helps in maintaining the blood glucose levels, but also in strengthening the cardiovascular muscles.

Diabetic patients along with aerobic exercises, follow the strength training schedule. Strength training is also known as resistance training. It serves the purpose of strengthening the muscles. Weightlifting is a common strength training exercise. Push-up is also a form of resistance training exercise. Strength training exercise eases a diabetic patient's daily activities like, climbing stairs, lifting objects, etc. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis in the diabetics. Strength training increases the patient's sensitivity towards insulin.

Precautions and Tips
Before beginning any kind of exercise, the diabetic should consult his doctor. Doctors generally recommend aerobic exercises for diabetics. These exercises include walking and jogging. The objective is to strengthen the heart by means of deep breathing. Those patients who suffer from nerve problems in legs shouldn't opt for exercises like cycling and swimming.

An important thing to remember before starting the exercise is warming up. Cooling down after completing the exercise too is equally important. Both the activities should be done for 5-10 minutes each.

Strenuous exercises should not be undertaken by diabetic patients. The patient should be careful while exercising, when the medicines are in their peak-effect.

The dose of insulin should be regulated depending on the time at which the exercise is undertaken. The insulin doses can either be short-acting or long acting.

The patient should wear a batch such as 'MedicAlert', which indicates others about their disease.

Training or exercise should be done in the presence of someone who knows about the disease. He must be able to take quick action, if there is any change in the patient's sugar levels.

Exercise not only helps to control diabetes, but also improves the overall health of the patient. If proper care is taken during the exercise schedule, the diabetic can minimize the problems related to the disease as well his overall health.