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- $Unique_ID{BRK01940}
- $Pretitle{}
- $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}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{
- 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}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- 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.
-