Approximately 17 million people in the United States have diabetes; unfortunately,
almost 1/3 of them do not even know that they have the disease. Diabetes
is characterized by the body’s inability to either produce or properly
use insulin, which is the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and
other
food into energy for the body. Without insulin, the sugar builds up in the
blood rather than being transported into the muscles and other cells for
energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to your eyes,
kidneys,
nerves, and/or heart. The cause of diabetes is unknown, but genetics and
physical health factors such as obesity and physical inactivity play a role
in developing
this disease. To prevent diabetes, maintain a healthy body weight, focus
on good nutrition and exercise most days of the week.
Tips for exercising with diabetes:
- Consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program or significantly
increasing activity.
- Be sure to monitor your blood sugar before AND after exercise. If your
sugar is below 100mg/dl or above 300mg/dl, DO NOT exercise.
- Perform 30-60 minutes of low-to-moderate exercise most days of the week;
depending on medication perceived exertion might be used to monitor intensity.
- Always carry some type of sugar, your medical ID tag and a water bottle
with you while exercising.
- Wear good athletic shoes and socks to reduce friction and “hot spots” on
your feet; thoroughly inspect your feet after exercise.
- Avoid exercising at night because your blood sugar can continue to decrease,
increasing your risk of hypoglycemia while you are sleeping.
- Do not exercise if you are ill, have an infection or are experiencing
eye/vision problems.
- Use caution if exercising in extreme temperatures (hot and cold).
To learn more about diabetes check out the following links: www.diabetes.org, www.cdc.gov/diabetes. The Campus Wellness Center offers assistance in developing safe exercise programs for individuals with diabetes. Visit their website at www.gvsu.edu/wellness.
