Diabetes: Exercise Your Illness Away!
The process which converts the food you eat into the energy your body uses is far from simple. After every meal, the carbohydrate content of the food is broken down into a simpler form of sugar, which is also known as glucose, which is then carried to the different parts of your body via the bloodstream. Your cells then get to work, transforming this glucose into energy which they use to function. However, if your body is bereft of the insulin it requires in metabolizing this glucose, or if your cells do not respond to the insulin which the pancreas secretes, a disease known as Diabetes sets in which is one of the most widespread of its kind in today’s world.
If allowed to develop unchecked, Diabetes can lead to several severe complications, many of which are permanent and others even fatal. However, take care to ensure that your disease does not go out of hand is not as daunting as it may seem. With regular and timely meals, medication which your doctor prescribes, and constant monitoring of your blood glucose levels, you could be well on your way to leading a long, active and satisfying life. And in addition to these precautions, exercise is a vital part of keeping your blood sugar levels moderated.
One of the most devious advocates of diabetes is obesity, which also contributes significantly in further complicating the disease. You can steer away from falling into the obesity trap by supplementing your dietary regime with regular and moderate exercise. Aerobic exercises are undoubtedly a key factor in keeping your weight down to the target you and your physician determine. You can choose from an array of alternatives when it comes to aerobic exercise. You opt for low-impact aerobic classes, incorporate a walking routine into your daily schedule or even indulge in some form of sport which requires you to keep moving. Make sure you get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five days a week, which you can also divide into 10 minute sessions through the day.
Diabetes also affects the nerves of your feet, which may make it painful for you to indulge in activities which are hard on your feet. If your doctor advises you to keep away from these forms of exercise, then you can try bicycling, either outdoors or indoors, swimming, water aerobics and even rowing which are all great calorie-burners, but go easy on your feet. You can dabble in as varied an exercise regime as you want to, which will also keep you more motivated towards maintaining your fitness program. Strength training is another important aspect of exercise as it helps you build bone and muscle mass, allowing you to burn those calories away, even when your body’s at rest. You can either register for a strength training class to get started or invest in your own set of weights, elastic bands or plastic tubes and set up a workout regime of your own.
Before you work out a fitness regime for yourself, make sure to speak to your physician about your recommended levels of activity as well as the kind of exercise which will benefit your condition. Also, don’t plunge headlong into your regime, which will be more detrimental than advantageous, but work your way up as your body adjusts itself to your workouts. Try to keep your schedule as flexible as you can, so that even if you miss a session, you can compensate for it during the course of the day. Keep a close watch over your blood glucose levels, both before and after you exercise, to see how your blood sugar is responding to your workouts. In case of any uneasiness like hunger, dizziness and weakness during your workout session, stop at once. These are the initial symptoms of low blood sugar of Hypoglycemia which you need to treat with glucose pills, or half a cup of fruit juice until your blood sugar is above the minimum 70.
Many victims of Type One Diabetes are also particularly susceptible to Ketoacidosis, where toxic substances called ketones build up in your blood stream. If you happen to be diagnosed with this condition, then it is advisable to refrain from any kind of physical activity, as doing so will only exacerbate this condition. Munching on a light snack before you begin to exercise also helps you keep Hypoglycemia at bay.
The benefits of regular exercise are not just limited to watching over your blood sugar levels in fact, exercise is also the most recommended stress-handling therapy. Making your day-to-day life as active as you can also helps you avert the more severe ailments which afflict you as your body ages. The first step to a healthier and more fulfilling life begins with that all-important call to your physician. Start today and watch your life transform before your very eyes!
About the Author:
Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
