Archive for August, 2009
It’s important for all people to get regular exercise, and this is the same for diabetics. However, exercise can have an adverse effect on a diabetic if not done on a regular basis. For example, a diabetic who endures fast paced exercise that is not accustomed to it will burn calories and metabolize at a faster rate, and thus, there is a much higher chance that blood sugar will be low when finished. However, diabetics who exercise a little at a time and on a schedule will be able to regulate their blood sugar level, and will also understand how their blood sugar is affected by exercise.
Diabetes exercise can encompass a wide range of physical activities, including resistance training and cardio. It’s a good idea to start out with a little cardio, even a walk or a short jog can be enough if done three times per week. Resistance training is often less strain, but over time, the body will need more food to compensate for building muscle, so it’s important to be aware of this fact before beginning a resistance training regimen.
For diabetics, one of the most important aspects of managing diabetes is proper nutrition. Diabetics need to eat on a regular schedule, and eat nutritious meals without a lot of sugar. Without proper diabetes nutrition, it’s much likelier that a diabetic will have a reaction and see their blood sugar drop to a low level.
Diabetes nutrition begins with breakfast, and as a diabetic, it’s important to eat a balanced breakfast each morning. It’s important to be on a schedule for eating because blood sugar can drop to lower levels, and thus the diabetic will need to adjust their insulin intake to compensate, which is often dangerous. Each meal should be around 400-500 calories, and snacks should be no more than 100-200 calories and not contain a lot of sugar. It’s also a good idea to check blood sugar often, at least after meals, and also throughout the day at regular intervals. This will reduce the chance of a drop in blood sugar, and ensure the diabetic leads a healthier life managing their condition.