Hypo or hyper? Every body reacts differently to sports and exercise; for people with diabetes, this improves insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar levels. 1 in 14 Dutch people suffer from diabetes. It is another word for diabetes; there is too much sugar in your blood. While exercising, you may have high blood sugar, this is less common than low blood sugar. In this blog, we explain what diabetes is and how sports and exercise can affect this disease.
Diabetes, what is it anyway?
Diabetes, or diabetes, is a condition in which there is too much sugar in the blood. This condition occurs because the body has become less sensitive to insulin or does not make enough insulin. It occurs in people of all ages and is usually a lifelong condition. Fortunately, there are drugs to treat this disease.
Glucose, or sugar, is the main source of energy for your body. This energy is obtained from food and drinks. When glucose circulates in the blood, it needs guidance to reach its final destination, which is the body's cells. For this, insulin is needed. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, glucose accumulates in the body, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.
Do sports and exercise give positive effects?
Sports and exercise are highly recommended, especially if you have diabetes. Physical activity helps improve insulin action. This is because during sports and exercise, blood flow improves, resulting in faster absorption of insulin into the blood. We recommend half an hour of relaxed exercise daily rather than twice a week for two consecutive hours. Walking, cycling and swimming are among the activities where you can decide to what extent you practice them.
Regular walking helps prevent diabetes. That is why, since 2015, the National Diabetes Challenge created. These are walking groups for people across the country where you can start walking!
What is our role as physiotherapists in sports and exercise with diabetes?
An exercise programme for people with diabetes can support them to be active on a daily basis and keep moving constantly. Exercise is obviously very important for everyone. Our physiotherapists are ready to guide you in drawing up a personal exercise programme. Moreover, healthy eating can help control your diabetes.
Want to know more, tips or advice on diabetes?
Our physiotherapists are ready to help you with all your questions. Do not hesitate and make an appointment immediately by contacting us contact form fill in, call us at 085-5000333, or send an e-mail to info@friskfysio.nl. We look forward to seeing you in our practice!
