What To Know Before Starting A Diabetic Exercise Program

Since diabetes is a condition that is affected by many things, there are several things you need to be prepared for prior to starting a diabetic exercise regimen.

1. Get Your Doctor's Approval - Any time you are under a doctor's care for a specific condition, you should always notify your doctor of any changes you would like to make and be sure to get his or her approval.  You will want to tell your doctor what type of exercise program you will be starting and then discuss anything you need to be aware of or be on the look out for.

Since exercising will affect your blood sugar levels, you need to know what changes to be prepared for.  Be sure to ask any questions you can think of, read any material the doctor may give you, and do not be afraid to come back and ask more questions that may arise after you start your diabetic exercise routine.

2. Closely Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels - As a diabetic exercise can help reduce your blood sugar levels.  While this is generally a good thing, if you have not taken your insulin or have not eaten in a while prior to exercising, your blood sugar levels may drop to dangerous levels.  And strenuous exercise can exacerbate this even more.  So be sure to check your levels before, during and after exercising.

3. Keep A Water Bottle With You And Stay Hydrated - If you allow your body to get dehydrated, your blood sugar levels will actually rise and your performance will be adversely affected.  So to counter this, be sure to drink plenty of fluids while exercising.

4. Always Carry Glucose and Insulin - The diabetic exercise regimen must be modified somewhat from that of a non-diabetic because exercise causes the blood sugar levels to fluctuate so much.  While prolonged exercise will cause your levels to sink, strenuous exercise will cause them to rise.  So it is possible that you will need your insulin and a glucose fix at some point during your workout.  So be sure to have both on hand and monitor your levels closely.

Although things are a little more complicated for a diabetic exercise program, it just takes a little more planning to be prepared for any event.  If you are working out in a gym, it would also be advisable to inform others that you are diabetic ... just in case.

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