How is diabetes managed? - physical activity, exercise?

Having diabetes puts you more at risk for kidney disease. Manage your diabetes to help prevent or slow kidney disease. Physical activity is important for diabetes management.

Physical activity Is important for a person with diabetes

· it helps control your blood glucose
· it helps keep your weight down
· it helps keep your blood pressure down
· it helps raise your HDL (High-density lipoprotein), good cholesterol levels
· it helps lower your LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), bad cholesterol levels
These five benefits have a DIRECT bearing on how successfully you manage your diabetes. Exercise also has other general health benefits - you sleep better, your mental state improves, etc.

How much exercise should you do?

Most experts say you should do exercise on at least five days of each week. Each session should be of moderate-intensity and should not last less than thirty minutes. The following activities could be classed as of moderate-intensity:
· fast walking
· swimming
· cycling 5-9mph (level terrain, perhaps some slight hills)
· dancing
· rowing
· mowing the lawn

The guideline for exercise

Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan. Ask your doctor about what type of exercise is appropriate for you. He or she can recommend the right balance of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise.
Keep an exercise schedule. Talk to your doctor about the best time of day for you to exercise so that your workout routine is coordinated with your meal and medication schedules.
Know your numbers. Talk to your doctor about what blood sugar levels are appropriate for you before you begin exercise.
Check your blood sugar level. Check your blood sugar level before, during and after exercise, especially if you take insulin or medications that lower blood sugar. Be aware of warning signs of low blood sugar, such as feeling shaky, weak, confused, lightheaded, irritable, anxious, tired or hungry.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water while exercising because dehydration can affect blood sugar levels.
Be prepared. Always have a small snack or glucose pill with you during exercise in case your blood sugar drops too low. Wear a medical identification bracelet when you're exercising.
Adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed. If you take insulin, you may need to adjust your insulin dose before exercising or wait a few hours to exercise after injecting insulin. Your doctor can advise you on appropriate changes in your medication. You may need to adjust treatment if you've increased your exercise routine.

If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, we're here to help. Email us:
alisa1053360918@yahoo.com (Monday through Sunday) to make an appointment.