Is it Safe to Exercise if You Have Diabetes?

People with diabetes often need to make adjustments to their lifestyle to stay healthy and avoid developing further associated health complications. When it comes to exercise, it is perfectly safe for diabetic people to be active, and many could benefit from increasing the amount of exercise they do. The only time a diabetic person shouldn’t exercise is if they have recently had a severe episode of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). In this case they should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the episode. 

Here are three reasons why exercising with diabetes is not only safe, but beneficial for your health.

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1. Exercise can support weight management

Obesity causes inflammation in the body’s cells which worsens insulin resistance. Unfortunately, around 80 to 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, and it is this excess weight which contributes to their symptoms. 

Exercising regularly can help to prevent further weight gain, and also support weight loss for those who want to lose excess fat. However, extreme dietary restriction for weight loss poses risks of disordered eating and other psychological issues, so be sure to adopt a healthy exercise regime in combination with a balanced diet to lose weight slowly and safely.

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2. Exercise can protect the cardiovascular system

People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke than people who don’t have diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels contribute to high cholesterol, which can lead to narrowing or blocking of the arteries. High blood sugar levels can also lead to blood vessel damage, which can inhibit adequate circulation of blood throughout the body. 

Regular exercise helps to protect the cardiovascular system, strengthens the heart and improves cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It can help to offset the cardiovascular problems that diabetes causes and reduce the risk of serious heart conditions. Also, consider purchasing this AED device for your heart problem. You can get it at their website, https://www.aedsolutions.ca/.

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3. Exercise can reduce stress and improve mood

Sometimes, the stress of living with a chronic health condition and its associated complications can have a huge impact on mental wellbeing. Rates of depression are two times greater in diabetic people than in the general population. 

To help reduce the risks, exercise can be an excellent way to prevent or improve mental health issues. The process of exercising helps to release serotonin, a chemical in the brain that elicits positive feelings. When exercise takes place outdoors, the effects can be even more beneficial since spending time in nature also helps to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. Jogging, cycling, walking, and playing team sports outdoors are all excellent forms of exercise for people with diabetes. If you want to learn more about proper exercise for diabetics, navigate to sites similar to https://www.rxoneshop.com/.

Stay safe while exercising with diabetes

Exercising can cause blood sugar fluctuations, so it’s important to track your blood sugar levels and symptoms before, during and after exercise. Keep a healthy snack on hand, and adjust your insulin intake as necessary if you use insulin to treat your condition. Provided that you take these simple precautions, it is perfectly safe to exercise with diabetes.