Most diabetics are keenly aware of the importance of blood sugar control. But many aren’t aware that exercises for people with diabetes can also play an important role in controlling glucose levels. In fact, exercises for people with diabetes will play as important a role in limiting or reducing long-term complications associated with diabetes as any medication or drug use. Lifestyle changes really do make a difference, and shouldn’t be ignored.

 

What Should Be Done Before Starting Any Exercises for People with Diabetes?

 

The first step to beginning any exercise routine is to get a complete medical exam. The American Diabetes Association has issued guidelines to make sure that exercises for people with diabetes don’t put the patient at any additional risk for coronary artery diseases. Also, the blood glucose levels must be adequate to start exercising. In general, a patient must meet the following before beginning an exercise program

  • Blood glucose level must be below 250 mg/dl
  • No indication of angina, aneurysms, angina or embolisms
  • No damage to the kidneys. Blood vessels in the eyes must be sound, and nerve damage in the extremities cannot have started

 

What Are the 3 Types of Exercises for People with Diabetes?

 

Not all exercises for people with diabetes can be performed by all diabetics. The exercises are classified into three main routines, depending on the type of activity involved, intensity, and duration of the routine, and the area of the body the exercises are targeting.

  • Aerobic exercises for people with diabetes include things like a fast walk, swimming, dancing, and cycling. The intent of these exercises is to increase the heart rate. Usually, it is recommended that aerobic routines are done for at least 30 minutes five times weekly. If you are starting this from scratch, work up to intense routines gradually.
  • Strength training exercises for people with diabetes can be performed by diabetics with no complications from the disease. The intent is to increase the insulin uptake of the muscles, which reduces the sugar in the blood and helps keep weight under control.
  • Flexibility exercises for people with diabetes are important because they reduce the injury risk from other activities. Between 5 to 10 minutes of stretching should be done before any other exercises. Even if you can’t do other exercises, almost anyone can do at least some flexibility exercises

 

Every diabetic should exercise to the degree that they are capable, and should work hard to make it a habit. The benefits are huge, and the cost is minimal, if any.

 

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