 | Lucy Lavelle, RN, is a clinical liaison for Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital. As a certified diabetes educator, Lucy helped develop a class about diabetes that is offered each week to patients and their family members. Lucy is also available to speak to community groups on the topic of diabetes. Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of HealthSouth, is a provider of inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational and speech-language therapies and exclusive home of the AutoAmbulator robotic treadmill. Lucy can be reached at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital, 8338 W. 13th Street in Wichita, 316-729-9999. |
Health & Rehabilitation
2006-10-01 10:27:00
Diabetic? Exercise is a must!
QUESTION: I am 40 years old and have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I have been advised to eat an overall healthy diet and to set a goal of at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Why is exercise important in diabetes care?
ANSWER: Excess fat is the “enemy” in a range of diseases. In the type 2 diabetic, the body is either not making enough insulin or incorrectly using the insulin that is being produced. Excess fat in a type 2 diabetic can further complicate matters by causing a resistance to the insulin the body already produces. One way to prevent excess fat is to exercise.
Type 2 diabetics face a build-up of sugar when the body is not using its own insulin correctly. It is important to keep blood sugar as near normal as possible so that you feel better and prevent complications that occur from elevated blood sugars over time, such as heart attack, stroke, or amputations of the foot or leg. Regular exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and allows the body to use these sugars for energy.
If you exercise enough to lose weight, even as little as 5-10 percent of your total body weight, your body will begin to more effectively use the insulin it produces. Proper exercise, along with a good meal plan, may even keep you from having to go on diabetes medicines such as oral agents or insulin.
Exercise is good for everyone. In addition to the above benefits it also helps reduce stress, increase your energy level, control blood pressure and blood fats, and just makes you feel better.
But before you begin it is important to have a medical check-up. Talk with your health care team about a plan. Learning about a healthy diet and self blood glucose monitoring are also important tools in controlling diabetes.
Going to a diabetes education program is also a wonderful way to learn more about your diabetes. There you will likely meet others who will help you stay motivated to take care of yourself and provide you the support you need to manage your diabetes.
Finding someone to walk or exercise with can make your workout more enjoyable. When exercise is enjoyable and social, it is its own reward. Remember also to wear good cotton socks, supportive shoes, and to check your feet after exercise for any signs of poor fit or injury. Best of luck to you!
