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DiabetesDiabetes is a chronic disease that is hyperglycaemic in nature, meaning it causes unusually high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood stream. Glucose needs to be removed from the blood stream into the body’s tissues so it can be used by the body’s organs and muscles. The movement only occurs by the presence of the hormone Insulin that is produced by the pancreas. Diabetes is a very complicated disorder that presents in two forms: Type I diabetes: when the patient needs to inject insulin under the surface of his or her skin because they are unable to produce their own insulin. This type usually presents itself at a young age. Type II diabetes: when the patient does produce the hormone insulin but it doesn’t work very effectively and isn’t very sensitive to the presence of blood glucose. This type usually presents itself at an older age and is closely related to obesity. In terms of management, it is generally accepted that regular aerobic exercise has a positive effect on diabetes management. This is because exercise has been known to increase the sensitivity of insulin present in the body hence allowing blood glucose to be absorbed more efficiently. By maintaining a regular exercise program, people with diabetes, can lower their chances of suffering from many blood vessel complications related to diabetes. Regular aerobic exercise works as a ‘double edged sword’, that is, exercise increases the sensitivity of insulin as well as exercise assists in the reduction of body fat which is the challenge usually faced with Type II diabetic patients. It has been estimated that about half of all people with diabetes in affluent societies could be ‘cured’ by the reversal of obesity to normal weight- and staying that way. The best exercise a diabetic could perform is brisk walking; exercise where you are increasing your heart rate but not puffing enough that you are out of breath. It is important that people with diabetes be initially screened for cardiovascular (heart vessel) complications before starting an exercise program. Most major city hospitals today have diabetic clinics and it is important that these be accessed for medical screens, and advice on insulin and dietary changes. It is sensible for a diabetic on insulin not to inject into a muscle area predominantly used for exercise (particularly the leg). Blood glucose monitoring should be performed regularly and exercise should really be performed at least an hour post insulin injection. Exercise is very important for maintaining optimal health of a diabetic, however it is important to not exercise alone and inform others of their condition. Diabetics should always carry some form of glucose (jelly beans) in case the body becomes low in blood glucose. For more information on diabetes and activity contact the |