Exercise For The Diabetic

Along with medical nutritional therapy and insulin, exercise isthe third component to successfully treating diabetes. Exercise,like insulin, lowers blood glucose levels, assists inmaintaining normal lipid levels, and increases circulation. Formost individuals, consistent and individualized exercise helpsreduce the therapeutic dose of insulin. Diabetics should be forewarned that they should never performexercise during the time that their insulin level is at itspeak. The ideal time for a diabetic to exercise is when theirblood glucose level is between 100 to 200 mg/dl or about thirtyto sixty minutes after meals. They should also avoid exercisingwhen their blood glucose is above 250 mg/dl and ketones arepresent in the urine. There are metabolic effects that occur with exercise that type1 and type 2 diabetics should be aware of. In the case of type1 diabetes, glucose control can be compromised if properadjustments are not made in food intake or insulinadministration. People with type 2 diabetes who take oralhypoglycemic medications may be at risk of post-exercisehypoglycemia. Here are some general guidelines that may assist in regulatingthe glycemic response to exercise in persons with type 1diabetes. . Metabolic control before exercise: Avoid exercise if fastingglucose levels are greater than 250 mg/dl and ketosis ispresent. Eat added carbohydrates if glucose levels are lessthan 100 mg/dl. . Blood glucose monitoring before and after exercise: identifywhen changes in insulin of food intake are necessary. Learn theblood glucose response to different exercise conditions. . Food intake: Consume added carbohydrates as needed to avoidhypoglycemia. Carbohydrate-based foods should be readilyavailable during and after exercise. People with type 1 diabetes who do not have complications andare in good blood glucose control can perform all levels ofexercise, including leisure activities, recreational sports,and competitive sports. To do this safely, the diabetic mustposses the ability to collect self monitored blood glucose datawhile exercising and use this data to adjust their insulin andnutritional therapy. Exercise can increase the risk for hypoglycemia in people withtype 1 diabetes. Hypoglycemia during exercise of forty minutesor less is rare. Onset of hypoglycemia is more likely to occurafter exercise, often four to ten hours after. Blood glucoselevels should be monitored at one to two hour intervals afterexercise to assess response to the exercise and allow foradjustments in insulin and food intake.About The Author: To read more about diabetic exercise programsbe sure to visit the website Diabetic Diet Plans athttp://diabetic-diet-plan.health-choices-net.com/diabetic-exercise-program.html