Safe Physical Activities for Diabetes.
The question of which physical activity is safe to engage in is quite predominant among many persons living with diabetes. Physical activity is an essential part of a diabetes management plan. If you have been physically active, it is ok to maintain your usual regimen unless your doctor has advised you to modify your routine.
Being physically active may help you:
* Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
* Achieve and maintain better blood glucose control.
* Decrease insulin resistance, which leads to better blood glucose control.
* Reduce stress.
* Improve overall health and wellness.
It is essential to monitor your blood glucose levels when you exercise because exercise lowers blood glucose levels and may cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in some people with diabetes who are using insulin or some oral diabetes medications to help manage their condition.
HYPOGLYCEMIA AND HYPERGLYCEMIA
What should I know about low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar glucose levels (Hyperglycemia)?
If your blood glucose level drops below four (4) mmol (72mg/dl), your level is too low. It is essential to know how to recognize and treat low blood glucose quickly to avoid serious complications.
SYMPTOMS OF LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE
- Nervousness, shakiness
- Confusion, disorientation
- Hunger
- Sweatiness, headache, weakness
- Numbness or tingling in the tongue or lips
CAUSES OF LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE
- More physical activity than you are used to.
- Not eating on time
- Eating less than you normally do.
- Taking more medication than usual
- Alcohol consumption
TREATING LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE
If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of low blood glucose, test immediately. This is an important reason to have your meter with you at all times. If you don’t have your meter with you and you think you are experiencing low blood glucose symptoms, treat yourself to be safe.
Eat or drink fast-acting carbohydrates (15g of glucose tablets, 15 ml,3tsp or 3 packets of table sugar dissolved in water 175 ml ( ¾ cup) juice or regular soft drink, 6 lifesavers (chewed or swallowed), 15 ml honey.
Wait 15 minutes and then test again. This process should be repeated until the blood level is above 4 mmol/L(72mg/dl
If your next meal is more than one hour away, or you are going to be physically active, eat a snack that includes 15 grams of carbohydrates and a protein source such as crackers and peanut butter or cheese.
High blood glucose can occur when your food intake, activity level, and medications are not balanced properly, or if you are sick or suffering from stress. This can result in your blood glucose levels being higher than your personal target levels.
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE
- Being more thirsty than usual
- Urinating more often
- Being tired
TREATING HIGH BLOOD
Call your doctor. He/She may want to adjust your medication.
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