Diabetes and Exercise

I have been fully emerged in political dialog during this very exciting and historic political season. However, to add balance to my holistic blog, I am including this very informative piece I discovered on ediets.com. For those of us that suffer from diabetes - type 1 or type 2 - proper exercise is crucial to our health. Enjoy, process, implement and than share this information! For more info click on this link exercise

Type 1: Perform aerobic exercise three to five times per week at 55-70 percent of maximal heart rate. Each session should last 20- 30 minutes for health-related benefits and to better regulate insulin dosage. Those with Type 1 diabetes that do not have complications can strength train following a program that those without diabetes use. Strength training can be done two to three days a week performing 8-12 repetitions for 8-12 muscle groups, up to two to three sets of each exercise. Seek physician approval and heed strict limits on participation. To prevent hypoglycemia, you should link each session to the timing and site of insulin injection, antecedent and post-exercise nutrition, exercise at the same time every day and monitor your glucose before and after exercise.

Type 2: Perform aerobic exercise approximately five to six days of the week to burn calories and lose weight. Sessions should last 40-60 minutes in duration at a low intensity of 40-70 percent of maximal heart rate. Stick with moderate exercise to reduce the likelihood of foot irritation and musculoskeletal injury. Engage in light to moderate resistance training to increase muscle mass and lower basal insulin levels. For strength training, two days a week at a low level performing 15-20 reps for one to two sets per exercise. Also, try to increase activities of daily living like gardening, taking the steps and walking the dog.