Diabetes and Exercise? Try being an Olympic athlete
Diabetes and Exercise
Every Saturday morning I wake up as a diabetic and promise myself to go for a run.
The excuses usually start
- it's too cold (or too hot)
- its too nice in bed
- or even the more practical : what is it going to do to my blood sugars?
Imagine if Sir Steve Redgrave had the same excuse list? Well the world would have missed their opportunity to see one of the world's best rowers. The world would have missed the opportunity to see an Olympic athlete compete at five consecutive Olympic games and win gold.
No bad for someone with Type 1 Diabetes!
So the next time you sit on your couch and think Ive got every excuse in the book as to why I shouldn't exercise think of Steve.,.
Or maybe Gary Hall Junior, swimmer,
Or Kris Freeman, Cross-Country Skier
Or Missy Foy, Marathon Runner
or even Paralympic Cyclist - Pam Fernandes
To the uneducated you may have a small excuse but really you have no excuses at all. Diabetics of the world unite and just exercise
Tips for Exercise with Diabetes
Exercise is an essential part of the Diabetic Management plan but its not always going to be easy so here are some top tips
- Before you start, work with your health team to devise an exercise diabetes management plan
- Always carry hypo cures (and BGL testing machine if possible)
- Where possible, exercise with others. Not only will it motivate you but also helps if you run into a hypo
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Even if you do exactly the same exercise every day some days your body may react differently. Its not bad, its just life
- Enjoy. It doesn't really matter what kind of exercise you plan or what kind of level you intend to achieve from amateur to Olympic, just do it!
Steve Redgrave - The Diabetic Athlete
Meter - essential
Diabetes and Exercise links
- Diabetes and Exercise Fact Sheets
Sports Science and Sports Diabetics Guide to Exercise - American Diabetes Association - Fitness
Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, and it's especially important for people with diabetes.
Diabetes and Exercise
Diabetes and Exercise - Decide to Move
© 2012 nicediabetes