With more than 24 million diabetic Americans, USA is on the verge of seeing a diabetes epidemic soon. Sedentary lifestyle, eating disorder, less physical activity are the main contributing reasons. However, a good and healthy lifestyle can be helpful to live a balanced life.
Coupled with balanced diet, exercise can be added as extra advantage. Only aerobic exercise program have been thought to be the only option for the diabetes patients. But a recent study by the American Physical Therapy Association has found that patients who add weight exercise to their aerobic exercise program receive better results.
Take the case of Katrina Johnson. After 30 year of sedentary lifestyle marked by and eating chocolate, fast food, oversized portions and lots of pasta,this woman have found that obesity was not her only health concern as she was suffering from the fatal disease, diabetes.
Once she became aware, Johnson got educated about the disease and sprang into action to manage her glucose and her health. She and her husband, Greg (not a diabetic), changed their eating habits and started exercising at the gym. She lost more than 50 pounds; he trimmed down by more than 90.Lifting weights is part of an exercise regimen Katrina Johnson began after being told she had diabetes.
During exercise, muscles burn sugar for energy, thus lowering blood sugar levels. A more strenuous workout produces longer-lasting results. In Type 2 diabetics, exercise can reduce the amount of insulin needed to transport sugar into the cells, reducing dependence on glucose-lowering medication.Resistance exercise in particular — such as lowering a dumbbell in a bicep curl — strengthens muscles, and that can further improve the way insulin works in the body.
To conclude, here are some tips from the Mayo clinic:
•Monitor your blood sugar: Check your blood sugar before, during and after exercise — especially if you take insulin or medications that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Carry glucose tablets or hard candy in case your blood sugar drops too low or you feel shaky, nervous or confused.
•Pay attention to your feet: Wear smooth-fitting socks and comfortable athletic shoes. Examine your feet before and after exercise for any signs of potential damage, such as cuts or blisters.
•Drink up: Drink plenty of fluids while you exercise, especially when it’s hot. Dehydration can increase your blood sugar. If you exercise for more than an hour, drink carbohydrate-containing beverages rather than plain water.
•Identify yourself: Wear a diabetes identification bracelet or shoe tag while exercising, in case of an emergency.
•Know when to stop: If you experience any warning signs — severe shortness of breath, dizziness, faintness, nausea, chest pain, heart palpitations, or pain in an arm or in your jaw — stop exercising. If you don’t feel better within 15 minutes, seek immediate medical help.
Source: ajc.com
Filed under Diabetes, Diabetes Drug, NIDDM, Obesity | Tags: aerobic exercise program, American Physical Therapy Association, diabetes epidemic, glucose-lowering medication, Lost, Signs, strenuous workout, weight exercise | Comment Below
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