How to Exercise with Diabetes

If you are diabetic thinking about starting a new exercise regime, it is a good idea to check with your doctor first. Getting into the habit of checking your blood sugar before, during, and after your workout will also give you a clearer picture of how your body responds to increased physical activity.

Have a conversation with your doctor about how frequently you should be checking your blood sugars. Some people use their glucometer 6 times or more a day. Everyone is different. Speak with your doctor to see what they recommend in your particular case and follow their advice.

Understanding the way your body metabolizes glucose will help prepare you to pack the appropriate post-workout snack, especially if you are traveling to a gym or exercising outside of the home.

Incorporating exercise into your day is also a great way to relieve stress, not to mention, of course, helping keep your body fit. Maintaining an active lifestyle will help keep your body functioning at its peak performance.

Physical Activity

Exercise lowers blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that exercise is comparable to medication which lowers blood glucose but with fewer side effects. People with diabetes still excel in sports and compete in competitions.

Having an active lifestyle and incorporating daily exercise is very beneficial to those living with this condition. Going for a bike ride, walk or swim each day can bring you a variety of health benefits. You do not have to sign up for an expensive gym membership in order to live a more active lifestyle.

Diabetes and Stress

Stress hormones are naturally produced in our bodies when we are under emotional or physical stress. Every person on the planet succumbs to these feelings on occasion. For diabetics, however, stress can have an even greater negative impact on your total health.

Since stress can significantly raise the blood sugar levels in your body, it is important to find healthy ways to alleviate these emotions to avoid their consequences. An exercise is an invaluable option during these times.

Doing a quick set of push-ups, squats or shadow-boxing will help you release that pent-up negative energy and burn up some potentially dangerous blood sugar. Often stressful situations can make us want to overeat or drink too much alcohol, both of which will increase blood sugar levels. Choosing to go for a brisk walk will be a much more beneficial coping mechanism. Low-impact exercises that protect your knees and your feet are also great choices.

Sensory Neuropathy and Foot Ulcers

Sensory Neuropathy is one of the main concerns that Diabetics may have cause to deal with; particularly when it comes to implementing a new exercise routine. In this condition, the patient loses feeling in their feet due to the high glucose levels interfering with the electrical impulses in the nerves.

Symptoms including burning, coldness and tingling sensations, along with extreme sensitivity to touch are common. The loss of sensation and numbness can leave patients unaware that they have injured their feet.

Diabetics may severely burn themselves while stepping into a bathtub filled with hot water too! This is why washing the feet with ONLY warm water is strongly recommended. If the feet are not properly dried or if exercising in new shoes, chafing or blisters may occur. The open wound or sore on the foot may become infected if it is not healed quickly. Preventing infection is a top priority in this situation.

Disinfecting the wound with diluted tea tree oil will help keep it germ-free and assist healing, plus wearing pressure-relieving pads in the shoes can also be beneficial.

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