Diabetes and Exercise There are two main types of diabetes, type
I and type II. Type I diabetes is characterized by the pancreas
making too little or no insulin. An individual with diabetes
type I will have to inject insulin throughout the day in order
to control glucose levels. Type II diabetes, also known as adult
onset diabetes, is characterized by the pancreas not producing
enough insulin to control glucose levels or the cells not
responding to insulin. When a cell does not respond to insulin,
it is known as insulin resistance. When a subject is diagnosed
with type II diabetes, exercise and weight control are
prescribed as measures to help with insulin resistance. If this
does not control glucose levels, then medication is prescribed.
The risk factors for type II diabetes include: inactivity, high
cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension. Inactivity alone is a
very strong risk factor that has been proven to lead to diabetes
type II. Exercise will have a positive effect on diabetes type
II while improving insulin sensitivity while type I cannot be
controlled be an exercise program. Over 90% of individuals with
diabetes have type II.
Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which lowers
blood sugar. The more intense the exercise, the faster the body
will utilize glucose. Therefore it is important to understand
the differences in training with type I and type II diabetes. It
is important for an individual who has diabetes to check with a
physician before beginning an exercise program. When training
with a diabetic, it is important to understand the dangers of
injecting insulin immediately prior to exercise. An individual
with type I diabetes injecting their normal amount of insulin
for a sedentary situation can pose the risk of hypoglycemia or
insulin shock during exercise. General exercise guidelines for
type I are as follows: allow adequate rest during exercise
sessions to prevent high blood pressure, use low impact
exercises and avoid heavy weight lifting, and always have a
supply of carbohydrates nearby. If blood sugar levels get too
low, the individual may feel shaky, disoriented, hungry,
anxious, become irritable or experience trembling. Consuming a
carbohydrate snack or beverage will alleviate these symptoms in
a matter of minutes.
Before engaging in exercise, it is important for blood sugar
levels to be tested to make sure that they are not below 80 to
100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl. Glucose levels should
also be tested before, during, after and three to five hours
after exercise. During this recovery period (3-5 hours after
exercise), it is important for diabetics to consume ample
carbohydrates in order to prevent hypoglycemia.
Exercise will greatly benefit an individual with type II
diabetes because of its positive effects on insulin sensitivity.
Proper exercise and nutrition are the best forms of prevention
for type II diabetics. It is important for training protocols to
be repeated almost daily to help with sustaining insulin
sensitivity. To prevent hypoglycemia, progressively work up to
strenuous activity.
As with individuals with type I diabetes, carbohydrates should
also be present during training to assist in raising blood sugar
levels if the individual becomes
Natural weight loss and exercise is the only path to permananent
fitness and wellness. Learn more, visit our website
http://www.livingtobeyounger.com
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