Personal training for diabetes

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What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce enough insulin causes levels of glucose in the blood to leave the normal range.  The two most common forms of diabetes are Type I and Type II.

 

How many people suffer from it?

Diabetes has become so prevalent that according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 29.1 million people living in the United States suffer from diabetes and another 86 million are considered pre diabetic.  Nearly a third of all US adults are either diabetic or pre-diabetic.

 

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How are expert trainers can help

 

Type 1

According to the American Council On Exercise (ACE) type 1 diabetics can reduce their risk of coronary artery disease, improve insulin-receptor sensitivity, and improve functional capacity with a program of regular physical activity.

Type 2

The benefits of exercise for type 2 diabetics are vast.  According to ACE these benefits include but are not limited to prevention of coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.  Regular exercise can also help reduce elevated bodyweight and improve lipid profiles in type 2 diabetics.  Oftentimes weight loss through appropriate diet and exercise can lead to, under a medical professional’s supervision, a reduction in the amount of insulin medication needed.

Type 1 Diabetes Recommended Exercise

Type 1 diabetics are encouraged to exercise at least 3 times a weeks and exercise should be supplemented with a consistent pattern of diet and insulin dosage.  This consistency helps ensure glucose control.

It is recommend that type 1 diabetics gradually build up to 30 minutes or more per session.  Long duration activities and high intensity activities should be avoided because long duration exercises can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and high intensity exercises can increase the risk of hyperglycemia.  Weight lifting is recommended for type 1 diabetics without complications.

Type 2 Diabetes Recommended Exercise

According to the International Sports Science Association (ISSA), Type 2 diabetics are advised to exercise at a low intensity level and for a longer duration.  Generally speaking, aerobic exercises should be performed at least 5 times a week for 40-60 minutes per workout.  Low to moderate intensity resistance training is also recommended twice a week. According to ACE, a training program consisting of a combination of aerobic and resistance training can produce the best results for type 2 diabetics.

 

Some Exercise Precautions for Diabetics

  1. Diabetic individuals should undergo a complete medical evaluation for beginning an exercise program
  2. Monitor blood glucose levels before and after exercise
  3. Eat additional carbohydrates as necessary before exercising to avoid hypoglycemia
  4. Have carb based foods readily available during exercise
  5. Avoid exercise during peak insulin activity
  6. Try to exercise with a partner or a personal trainer
  7. Stay hydrated! Dehydration can impact blood glucose levels

 

 

 

 

If you would like to know more about diabetes, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has some fantastic information.

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