Diabetics must plan ahead for exercise

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Diabetics must plan ahead for exercise

Last Updated: 2004-02-06 14:34:08 -0400 (Reuters Health)

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Moderate exercise may prevent or delay some

of the complications of type 2 diabetes, but people with diabetes should

undergo a thorough medical evaluation before beginning an exercise

program, according to a new report.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effect of

the glucose-processing hormone insulin. At least 30 minutes of moderate

exercise on most or all days of the week may improve sensitivity to

insulin, and decrease the need for medications and insulin injections.

Before starting an exercise program, however, people with type 2

diabetes should undergo a thorough physical examination, according to

Drs. Krishna V. Bhaskarabhatla and Birrer at Saint ph's

Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey.

Some people, including those older than 35 years and people who have had

diabetes for a decade or longer, should also undergo an exercise stress

test before starting an exercise program, Bhaskarabhatla and Birrer note

in the journal The Physician and Sportsmedicine.

People with diabetes also need to take steps to prevent complications

that may arise once they start exercising, according to the report.

For instance, when blood sugar levels are low, people should have a

snack and wait until blood sugar returns to a healthy level before

exercising, the authors advise. People with diabetes should also drink

fluids frequently while exercising to prevent dehydration.

And to prevent blood sugar dropping too low, the dosage of insulin and

some medications may need to be adjusted, according to the report.

Physical activity can be beneficial to diabetics, but it needs to be an

appropriate form of exercise to prevent complications, according to the

researchers. For example, people with diabetes-related nerve damage

should avoid running or jogging because these activities may increase

the risk of joint or soft-tissue injury.

Whatever exercise program people with diabetes choose, they should learn

how to monitor themselves closely for blisters and other damage to their

feet, according to the report. Appropriate footwear is also important

for preventing complications, the authors note.

SOURCE: The Physician and Sportsmedicine, January 2004.

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