Diabetes and Exercise - Compatible, But Not Always

Physical inability is one of the risk factors when one has the diabetes disorder, hence, diabetes and exercise must go hand in hand. The correlation between diabetes and exercise is the ability of the latter to prolong the life of the afflicted, while the lack of exercise on the other hand can lead to diabetes.

Diabetes is having high blood sugar level due to the non-conversion of glucose to energy from the food that we eat like sugar and starches.Nevertheless we can also high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) if sugar and starches are not burned naturally via exercise.

How does a Diabetic Benefit from Exercise?

1. Improved blood circulation in the arms and the legs.

2. Reduced cholesterol level and high blood pressure. This will prevent stroke or heart attack.

3. You will maintain the ideal weight by burning the calories or better yet, lose weight.

4. Helps the body react to insulin which could even lead to the elimination of medication.

5. Relief from stress brought about by the diabetes disease.

However, before you engage in any particular form of exercise, better see your doctor for the proper exercise program.

When is the Appropriate Time to Exercise?

According to the results conducted by the Quebec Heart Institute, there is a considerable reduction in the blood glucose if exercise is done from 4 to 5 hours after eating the last meal.

Therefore, if lunch is taken at 12:00 o'clock noon, the ideal time to exercise is from 4 to 5 in the afternoon. The research also discourages exercise before taking your breakfast.

Diabetes and Exercises that are Best and Effective

Ideally, diabetics should exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour, if possible.

If you're suffering from diabetes, you can choose between aerobic and anaerobic exercises:

a. Aerobic- In this type of exercise, the body uses more oxygen due to the steady exercise for a period of time. The results expected are lower blood lipids, stronger heart and lungs and lower blood pressure. Other forms of exercises may include swimming, brisk walking, jogging, cycling, skiing, and dancing.

b. Anaerobic- This exercise relies mostly on muscles at high rate but shorter period of time hence, the effect on the blood sugar level is not substantial. Examples are weightlifting, sprinting or any other sports that require rapid burst of exercise.

There are 3 categories of anaerobic exercises:

1. Isotonic- This exercise aims to enhance power, muscle strength and endurance by means of pulling, lifting or pushing different weights at steady speed. Examples are lifting of weights or dumbbells; and springs and bands.

2. Isometric- This is based on muscle contraction on immovable object to strengthen the muscle tension like pushing a wall. This is currently used in rehabilitation purposes.

3. Calisthenics- This exercise does not require the use of weights but helps to be more flexible and boost body strength. Examples are push-ups, sit-ups and squats.

When is Exercise not Beneficial to the Diabetic?

Generally, diabetes and exercises have a compatible correlation. However, there are times that exercise is not applicable. If your blood sugar rose higher than your blood sugar level at the time that your diabetes was diagnosed, it would be better to temporarily suspend routine exercise and refer the matter to your doctor.

Although sugar levels may vary per laboratory, the normal blood sugar level is 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). At a pre-diabetic stage it may range from 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl. Persons suffering from diabetics have 126 mg/dl or higher.

Hence, if in spite of regular exercises your blood sugar level does not improve or becomes higher, it would be best for you to stop the exercise routine and consult your physician.

Exercise should also be aided by proper diet to attain good results and only forms part of a natural cure. Thus, diabetes and exercise plus a diabetic's diet can prolong and promote a better life despite diabetes.