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DIABETES AND EXERCISE

Exercise is an important part of Diabetes care. Some type of exercise should be undertaken 3-4 times per week for 40 minutes

How does exercise help?

During exercise, the muscles need energy. The best source of this energy is glucose which is found in the blood. As the muscles use this glucose your blood glucose level decreases.

After exercise the blood glucose level continues to lower as the muscles replenish their stores of glucose. Note: this is very important if you are taking sulphonylurea medication.

What type of exercise is best for you?

• Exercises that suit your lifestyle, age, and that you enjoy.
• Examples include walking, swimming, bicycling, tennis, working in the garden, basketball, table tennis, ballroom dancing, line dancing, golf.
• Remember exercise does not need to be vigorous; eg. while walking you should be able to chat to your partner, puffing between sentences.

Always check with your Doctor or Diabetes Specialist before starting a new activity or exercise programme.

Benefits of exercise

• Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, you may need to reduce the amount of medication you take. Consult your doctor.
• Helps maintain ideal body weight
• Helps reduce blood lipids (fats)
• Helps manage stress and improves self esteem
• May improve blood glucose control
• Improves circulation, especially in the lower limbs
• Improves heart health
• Helps control blood pressure
• Keeps you more active

Preparation

• Take your blood sugar reading prior to exercise.
• Discuss with your doctor if you take sulphonylurea medication in case you need to adjust the dose.
• Always start and finish with warm up exercises and stretches.
• Always have a long acting carbohydrate prior to exercise - consult your Dietitian if you need help
• Take with you quick acting sugar in case of a 'hypo', this only happens if you are on insulin or sulphonylurea tablets
• Always have extra fluid to avoid dehydration
• Wear good fitting and appropriate exercise clothes including shoes and socks

Feet and exercise

Many people with diabetes have some form of peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy which means that extra care must be taken of the feet during exercise. It is suggested that you discuss your feet and the proposed type of exercise with your podiatrist. Good fitting shoe and socks are extremely important. Always check feet after exercise.

KEY POINTS

• Discuss with your doctor your exercise program and medication, in case you need to adjust the dose.
• Be aware of hypos if taking sulphonylureas tablets.
• Take a friend who understands about diabetes and could help if you have a 'hypo'.
• Always tell someone else where you are going and in what exercise you are participating.
• Avoid injuries, e.g. blisters, bruises, cuts and grazes, puncture wounds, stress fractures, tendon, ligament or muscle injuries. Always seek help if needed.