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By Simon Harris
The 2 types of diabetes are type I and type II. Type I
diabetes
is characterized by the pancreas making too little or no
insulin. An individual with diabetes type I will have to
inject
insulin throughout the day in order to control glucose levels.
Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, is
characterized by the pancreas not producing enough insulin to
control glucose levels or the cells not responding to insulin.
When a cell does not respond to insulin, it is known as
insulin
resistance. When a subject is diagnosed with type II diabetes,
exercise and weight control are prescribed as measures to help
with insulin resistance. If this does not control glucose
levels, then medication is prescribed. The risk factors for
type II diabetes include: inactivity, high cholesterol,
obesity, and hypertension. Inactivity alone is a very strong
risk factor that has been proven to lead to diabetes type II.
Exercise will have a positive effect on diabetes type II while
improving insulin sensitivity while type I cannot be
controlled
be an exercise program. Over 90% of individuals with diabetes
have type II.
Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which
lowers blood sugar. The more intense the exercise, the faster
the body will utilize glucose. Therefore it is important to
understand the differences in training with type I and type II
diabetes. It is important for an individual who has diabetes
to
check with a physician before beginning an exercise program.
When training with a diabetic, it is important to understand
the dangers of injecting insulin immediately prior to
exercise.
An individual with type I diabetes injecting their normal
amount
of insulin for a sedentary situation can pose the risk of
hypoglycemia or insulin shock during exercise. General
exercise
guidelines for type I are as follows: allow adequate rest
during
exercise sessions to prevent high blood pressure, use low
impact
exercises and avoid heavy weight lifting, and always have a
supply of carbohydrates nearby. If blood sugar levels get too
low, the individual may feel shaky, disoriented, hungry,
anxious, become irritable or experience trembling. Consuming a
carbohydrate snack or beverage will alleviate these symptoms
in
a matter of minutes.
Before engaging in exercise, it is important for blood sugar
levels to be tested to make sure that they are not below 80 to
100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl. Glucose levels should
also be tested before, during, after and three to five hours
after exercise. During this recovery period (3-5 hours after
exercise), it is important for diabetics to consume ample
carbohydrates in order to prevent hypoglycemia.
Exercise will greatly benefit an individual with type II
diabetes because of its positive effects on insulin
sensitivity. Proper exercise and nutrition are the best forms
of prevention for type II diabetics. It is important for
training protocols to be repeated almost daily to help with
sustaining insulin sensitivity. To prevent hypoglycemia,
progressively work up to strenuous activity.
As with individuals with type I diabetes, carbohydrates should
also be present during training to assist in raising blood
sugar levels if the individual becomes low.
About The Author: This article provided courtesy of
www.cholesterol-answers.com
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