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$Title{Diabetes and Exercise:  A Safe Combination?}
$Subject{Diabetes diabetics Exercise exercises Safe disease diseases benefit
benefits risk risks danger dangers type II non-insulin dependent insulin sugar
sugars oral medication medications weight diabetic I insulin-dependent glucose
heart lungs muscle muscles dose dosage schedule energy activity activities
blood monitor monitoring nerves blood vessel vessels Aerobic aerobics jog
jogging walk walking resistance lifting lift}
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Diabetes Mellitus*0009802.scf
Exercise has Overall Benefits*0003209.scf
Exercise Improves Kidney Function*0003208.scf
Exercise Increases Metabolism*0003205.scf
Structure of the Pancreas*0009801.scf
The Functions of Insulin*0009803.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Diabetes and Exercise:  A Safe Combination?


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QUESTION:  I have seen exercise touted as being of benefit for many situations
and diseases, particularly in preventing heart problems.  But what can you
tell me about exercise and diabetes?  Do I run a chance of more risk than
benefits from starting to get out and around a jogging track now?  I am 53,
and have had diabetes for just two years.

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ANSWER:  I must answer your question with an "it depends" perspective, for
much depends upon you and your history.  If you have type II diabetes
(non-insulin dependent), exercise can help increase the effectiveness of the
insulin you produce in your body, and help control your sugar levels.  In
fact, it may reduce your need for insulin or oral medications completely.  It
can also be a valuable aid in reducing weight, an important consideration in a
diabetic.  Some people with a family history of diabetes, and thus an
increased risk for developing the condition, can prevent its evolution, and
avoid it completely.  Individuals with type I (insulin-dependent) may lower
the amounts of insulin needed to control their levels of blood glucose.  All
that in addition to the benefits that you already know about, to heart, lungs
and muscles.
     If you are taking insulin, your dosage and schedule may have to be
modified as you change the amount of energy you use for your activities.
Regular home blood monitoring, both before and after exercise, and frequent
consultations with your physician can provide you with the information to
calculate any changes you may require.
     You state you are but recently afflicted with this condition, so the
possibility of some of the long term complications of diabetes in your case
seems remote.  However, in others, this requires some serious consideration,
and the presence of some complications, such as may occur to nerves and blood
vessels, would place restrictions on an exercise program.  Aerobic exercise,
jogging or walking, is better than resistance exercise, such as weight
lifting.  Starting a directed exercise program now, during the early stages of
your diabetes, may win important benefits to you in the long run.  Check with
your physician to be sure you start out on the right foot.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.