Staying Active
In general, staying physically active is beneficial for both diabetics and non
diabetics. Exercise improves fitness and stamina. For diabetics,
especially people with type 2 diabetes, exercise can help to reduce or avoid
obesity, and promote weight loss and weight maintenance. In fact, physical
activity is part of a treatment plan for people with type 2 diabetes because
exercise has positive effect on blood glucose control. Staying physically
active can even reduce insulin resistance. In short, staying physically
active is surely helpful and should form a part of your diabetes care plan.
Having diabetes does not mean you cannot enjoy or participate in sport. In fact, exercise can help you to burn up calories, lowers your blood glucose levels and makes the insulin you take work more effectively. Exercise, however, must be able to meet your individual requirement and be within your abilities.
However beneficial exercise is for people with diabetes, it is essential to take some basic preventive measures before you exercise, particularly for people with type 1 diabetes. The preventive measures are taken so that doing exercise will not interfere with your diabetes control and to prevent incidences of hypoglycemia.
When you exercise, there are some basic guidelines for you to follow to ensure you can exercise safely. These basic guidelines are as listed below:
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Before starting your daily routine of physical activity, measure your blood glucose level.
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If you are planning to exercise, you may find you can reduce your insulin dosage before carrying out the activity.
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When exercise is unplanned and you have taken your insulin injection, you may need to have a sweet carbohydrate snack before exercising to counter the fall in blood sugar level during exercise.
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Do not exercise alone.
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Even if you are not alone, make sure your companion knows how to treat hypoglycemia.
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Bring along a hard sweet with you in case a hypoglycemia occurs.
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