Exercise
Benefits
of Exercise
Regular
exercise is an important part of diabetes control and should be part of your
daily routine.
Why Exercise ?
Exercise
:
-Helps insulin to work
better and lower your blood glucose.
-Lowers the blood pressure
and cholesterol levels.
-Strengthens the heart
and improves blood circulation.
-Reduces body fat and
control body weight.
Select
an exercise program
- The type of exercise
that is suitable for you depends on your age, physical fitness and preferences.
- You may need to consult
your doctor or nurse educator when planning for an exercise program.
- Choose an exercise that
you would enjoy doing. Brisk walking, jogging and cycling are good examples.
- Exercise regularly, everyday
if you can or at least 3 times a week and 30 minutes for each session.
- Plan your program, start
slowly and gradually. Increase the amount of exercise you do each session.
- Always start with warm
up (stretching) for 5 – 10 minutes follow by the actual exercise, and end
with cool down exercise, just as you would do for the warm up.
Points
to remember
- Test your blood glucose
before and after exercise. It is not safe to exercise if your blood glucose
is above 15 mmol/L, if you are feeling unwell or if there are ketones in your
urine.
- If blood glucose is low,
eat a snack.
If blood
glucose is normal, you do not need a snack unless you are doing some strenous
exercise.
Alternatively,
you can reduce your insulin dose before exercise. Consult your doctor or nurse
educator on what is best for you.
- Always carry quick sugar,
such as glucose tablets candy etc. With you when you exercise (especially
if you are on insulin). Hypoglycaemia
(Low blood sugar) may occur during or after exercise due to increased transport
of glucose into the muscles by insulin.
- If possible, exercise
with your spouse or a friend.