Diabetes Mellitus and Exercise

1. Diabetes Mellitus and Exercise Today, roughly 8% of Americans have diabetes. There isn't a direct cure for this disease but there are treatments that will help you live a normal life. Good nutrition and regularphysical activity are important in managing blood sugars. Below are some important reminders about the benefits of physical activity and how to safely add regular exercise to your daily routine. How can you benefit from being more physical activity? • Improve blood sugar control • Improve your body's use of insulin which can lower insulin requirement. • Improve blood lipid levels, blood pressure, weight management, and cardiovascular aspects • Improve muscle strength • Increase bone density • Increase energy level • Improve your health and quality of life • Decrease hospital visits How much physical activity should I participate in? • Aim for 20-30 minutes a day of moderate activity such as biking, walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming • OR • Resistance exercise 3 times a week that targets all muscle groups. Examples are push ups, squats, curls, army press, sit ups and so on • Pick activities that you enjoy. Start out slowly and build your way up

2. Safety Issues • A medical evaluation is recommended before planning a physical activity program due to complications involving the heart, blood vessel, eyes, kidney, feet, and nervous system that may limit certain types of activities. • Whenever you begin a physical activity routine, start off slowly. • Individuals with diabetic retinopathy should avoid heavy lifting or straining because it may raise blood pressure or damage eye tissue • Individuals with diabetic neuropathy should avoid strenuous physical activity/repetitive weight bearing exercise such as jogging because these physical activity may lead to foot ulcerations. • Protective foot gear such as gel soles or air midsoles and socks that help prevent blisters can help prevent foot trauma. • Proper fluid intake is encouraged before, during and after a physical activity to avoid the negative effect of blood sugar levels and heart functions • Caution: • Blood sugar levels drop during physical activity, so if you use insulin, track your blood sugar before and after exercise. • Insulin should not be injected before any physical activity. It may lead to low blood sugars. • When should I NOT participate in physical activity ? • If your blood sugar is lower than 100mg/ml. If you are experiencing low blood sugars, consume carbohydrate-rich foods and re-check your blood sugars after 15-30minutes. • If blood sugars are 300mg/ml or above. If you are experiencing high blood sugars, wait until your blood sugars decrease before exercising. • If you have a fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, repetitive coughing, or if you are injured • Stop if you start feeling pain or have abnormal heavy breathing during the physical activity