Exercise and Diabetes

When you are a diabetic, exercise is will help control your blood sugar levels.  But if you
are overweight or obese and diabetic, exercise will also help you lose weight.  As a
diabetic, there are additional considerations and precautions that you need to take before
you begin an exercise routine.  And once you have begun, you always need to be aware
of the risks involved.


It is ideal to wait before your exercise if your blood glucose level is too low or high.  You
can do more damage than good if you do not.  It is especially dangerous if your blood
sugar is on the low side and you begin to exercise.  The physical exertion can cause your
blood sugar to drop even further which can become an emergency situation.  As a
precaution, if you are exercising at a gym make sure the staff are aware of your condition
and have emergency instructions and numbers to call.  If you walk or run on your own
outside, keep identification on you that advises you are diabetic along with contact phone
numbers, a snack, and instructions.

For other tips on exercising with diabetes, you can follow the same guidelines that make
sense for everyone else.  Stretch before and after exercising, drink plenty of fluids, and
don’t push yourself too hard.  It is a smart idea to check your blood sugars before and
after exercising and if you are feeling light-headed during your work-out check it then
too.

As feet problems are common in diabetics, wear proper footwear and socks.  If you
notice any sores on your feet that are not going away on their own, see your doctor.  If
they are not healing they can lead to an infection and other related complications.  Even
though there are risks involved to exercising, the benefits make it worth it.