Does it really matter who you are or whether you have diabetes or not? The truth is we all need to move it, to get some deliberate muscle moving sessions going. We need to make physical activity and exercising a regular part of our life.
The major benefit of exercise for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is to prevent complications which really affect everyone but is more severe in diabetics. Exercise helps with:
weight loss in type 2 diabetes
lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels
reducing blood pressure
reducing the need for insulin or other drugs
relieving stress
Before starting a new exercise program check with your health care provider if you:
have not exercised before
were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes more than ten years ago
are obese
have a history of any risk factor for heart disease such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels
have previously been diagnosed or show signs of poor blood flow in your legs, eg. pain in your calves
have been diagnosed or show signs of nerve damage, eg. tingling or numbness
use medications
have a physical disability
By discussing your exercise program with your health care provider you can then chose the best and safest program for you. Exercise does place healthy but mild stress on the body.
Some important steps to take before commencing to exercise include:
wearing a medical alert bracelet showing you are diabetes
you are wearing comfortable clothes
choosing proper shoes and socks
making sure you carry treatment for hypoglycemia
you drink plenty of water
try to exercise during the cooler part of the day
testing your blood sugar levels just before commencing exercise
not exercising if your level is greater than 270 mg/dl (15 mmol/l)
if your level is low have some extra carbohydrate such as fruit or a sandwich
check your blood sugar level during your exercise if you feel you need to and have a fruit juice or a piece of fruit if it is low. Check it again as soon as you finish exercising and then six hours after. You may need to adjust your insulin or oral medications the next time you exercise so you don't need to have extra carbohydrates each time.
There are only two real requirements with exercise. They are, one you do it and two, you keep on doing it!
The ideal treatment for type 2 diabetes is to lose weight, follow a healthy eating plan and increase physical activity. Exercise reduces your blood sugar levels as well as helps with weight loss.
If you would like to learn some weight loss tips, click here now to download my free E-book:
Trim Down Tips
Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your Type 2 Diabetes.
http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142
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