The prevalence of diabetes has increased substantially, particularly in developing countries. The pandemic is expected to reach even greater proportions in the coming years. Genetic and environment factors are of equal importance in causing diabetes. While genetic factors are beyond our control, lifestyle modifications, complemented by pharmacological interventions, can help in modifying the environmental factors. It is well recognised that modernisation and industrialisation have resulted in drastic changes in lifestyle – unhealthy diet habits and physical inactivity.
It is well-known that physical activity is important for everyone’s health and it can be especially important if one has diabetes. The therapeutic use of exercise for diabetes was prescribed during the course of a period, which dates back to as early as 600 BC. Today, exercise is recognized as an essential part in the management of diabetes. Exercise, if done regularly, will help people with diabetes to live a healthy life despite his or her disorder. However, as it is totally patient-dependent, it is often the most neglected aspect of management of diabetes.
Role of physical activity
Regular physical activity is an important part of effective weight maintenance, as it improves overall health and is the most cost-effective medicine. It does not matter what type of physical activity one performs –
sports, planned exercise, household chores, garden work, or work-related tasks – all are beneficial. Today,technological advancements have led to a sedentary lifestyle compared to earlier days when a fair amount of physical activity was involved. Walking and cycling have been reduced as people move around in cars and buses. Microwave ovens and mixers have replaced manual cooking and grinding. People are addicted to television and internet and rather than socialising, they now ‘meet’ neighbours over calls or texts. Hence, one should make it a daily challenge to find ways to move one’s body. One can think of ‘move’ in small increments of time. It doesn’t have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic class.
Benefits of physical activity
The benefits of exercise are far-reaching. Clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that regular exercise helps prevent and controls diabetes mellitus, reduces the risk of death due to heart disease and stroke, aids in reducing weight, reduces colon cancer, strengthens bones, muscles and joints, enhances immune system, increases stamina, lowers blood pressure, aids digestion, reduces serum lipid levels, improves blood circulation, provides skin a healthy glow and may add a few years to life.
Some of these benefits include:
- Lowering blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fats
- Increasing oxygen levels in the body
- Aiding weight loss
- Reducing stress
- Strengthening the heart, muscles and bones
- Improving blood circulation
- Toning muscles
NO MORE EXCUSES; JUST DO IT!
There are hundreds of excuses not to exercise. Too busy, too tired, too bored, no room for equipment, no place to exercise, can’t afford club fees, bad health; the list is endless. Excuses provide an easy way out to avoid exercising. The faster you work towards eliminating those excuses, the closer you’ll be to living a healthier, more active life. Eventually, exercise won’t be a chore – it will be the reward your body’s been craving.
If time is your enemy, re-evaluate your schedule
If American Presidents can find time to exercise, why not us? Get up earlier and take a brisk walk around the block. If you can’t exercise in the morning how about an evening stroll? Instead of spending 30 minutes sitting in front of the television at night, do on the spot jogging or walk on your treadmill as you watch your favorite show. Remember you don’t have to exercise all at once. Break your workout into two 15-minute sessions or three 10-minute sessions and do them throughout the day.
If you’re too tired (or lazy) to exercise, get moving
Fatigue can actually be caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise will help jump-start your body. Start slowly, and over time, exercise will increase your energy level while decreasing fatigue. One can tailor the exercise programme to one’s life style.
No place to exercise? Find one
You don’t need a park, a playground or beachside to do exercise. One can select activities which can be done at sites convenient for you which can be an outdoor or indoor activity. These may be around the house, on the terrace or even a small room where spot jogging can be done. It is not the place that matters, but the consistency with which you do it.
Aches and pains? Reprogram your thinking
Initially when starting an exercise programme, there might be some pain which is due to accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. In due course, the pain will disappear as one follows a proper exercise regime. However, if any exercise hurts too much you should stop and consult your doctor.
EXERCISE CHECKLIST FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
- Talk to your doctor about the right exercise for you.
- Check your blood sugar level before and after exercising.
- Check your feet for blisters or sores before and after exercising.
- Wear the proper shoes and socks.
- Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercising.
- Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
- Have a snack handy in case your blood sugar level drops.
