Home      

     

Next

       Back

Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle has been blamed for weight gain, and it represents a risk factor for heart disease and osteoporosis.  Exercise reduces blood sugar and improves the circulation.  There is also evidence that exercise reduces levels of certain fats in the blood.  It is recommended that a diabetic introduces regular exercise in the form of a brisk walk, a swim, cycling, power walking, jogging and aerobics,  of an intensity that would induce slight shortness of breath.  This has to be built up over a period of time if the person has not been accustomed to regular exercise.

• Start by choosing the correct footwear, as the care of feet is important in diabetes.

• Discuss the exercise with your doctor or specialist diabetes nurse.  There might be a need for adjustment of your medication, especially your insulin as exercise will be burning your calories.  

• There will be a need to monitor your blood sugar before the start of your exercise, and at the end of it.  Be prepared that there could be a delayed effect of the exercise on your sugar reading.  Remember to carry with you your Hypostop when you first start exercising.  Pay attention to hydration and remember that the commercially prepared sports drink contains large amounts of sugar.  If your blood sugar is high before you start your exercise and you  have ketones in your urine, it is not wise to exercise..

• Remember that you need to warm up and cool down before and after exercise