People with diabetes have to observe some changes in their lifestyle to enable them to cope with the condition better. Diabetes is caused by too much sugar in the blood. This often happens after years of consuming things with high sugar content, such as junk food, and foods that are generally rich in carbohydrate, since carbohydrate gets converted to sugar after digestion.
Staying fit while you have diabetes is a priority. This may mean you would have to cut down on some habits and include some changes in your general lifestyle. At this point, your body needs extra care, so as not to raise your blood levels drastically. Studies have shown that exercising improves blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes, reduces cardiovascular risk factors, supports to weight loss, and improves well-being.
In this post, we would be looking at some important fitness tips which diabetics can observe.
Exercise regularly
One of the most important things you can do for yourself if you have diabetes is to exercise regularly. Exercise is important for everyone, but people with diabetes are encouraged to exercise more to keep themselves healthier. Exercise is more important for those with Type 2 diabetes, but those with Type 1 diabetes would also benefit a lot from working out. Exercises would help keep you healthy, helping you to lose weight and also keeping your blood sugar level in check. The most important of the fitness tips for diabetics is to try gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, resistance band exercises, dancing, or cycling for 5 to 10 minutes a day. Gradually build up to 30 minutes a day, four or more days a week.
Tips For Exercising
- Start Slow: If you have not exercised in a while or if exercising is generally not your thing, then you should start with simple exercises before increasing the tempo.
- Be Prepared To Raise Your Blood Sugar: if you exercise often, one thing you should note is that you would have to increase your blood sugar level since the sugar in your system would be converted to energy during the exercise. Using glucose or having fruits with you can be very important.Â
- Check Your Blood Sugar Levels: Always check your blood sugar levels before you exercise just to make sure it is within the right range before you exercise. There can be a problem when your blood sugar levels are too low or too high, particularly in people with Type 1 diabetes.Â
- Stop When You Are Tired: there is no need to push your body past any limit. The moment you feel tired or dizzy, you should quit and get some rest.Â
Try to exercise for, at least 30 minutes a day.Â
Stay Hydrated
Another tip you have to follow is to always stay hydrated. Do not wait until you are thirsty before you drink water. Whenever it crosses your mind, you should drink water, particularly before and after a strenuous activity like a workout session. Drinking water helps to regulate your blood sugar, preventing it from spiking. Never forget to drink water.Â
Be Active
Leave no room for lethargy. Always find a way to be active. This could mean walking every day. Rather than take the bus from your gate to your destination, make it a point to walk some distance. This does not mean, however, that you should overwork yourself as that is even advised against. The point here is to try and be active for most of the day.Â
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
