Major Breakthrough in Exercise and Diabetes Are you Qualified and Following these training Guidlines? Epidemiology/ Etiology Normally the human body works like a smoothly operating food processor. It transforms foods into energy- energy necessary for activities of normal daily living and including exercise. The hormone insulin is a vitallog in the process, allowing sugars in the bloodstream to enter the muscles cells, where energy production occurs. In the diabetic this system does not operate properly , and the body is unable to convert sugars and startches from the diet into energy . Without adequate insulin in the blood , glucose accumulates in the bloodstream. This disorder often results in serious complications to nearly every organ in the body . There are two forms of diabetes: 1. Insulin dependent or Type I (IDDM), which affects children and young adults and is the more intensive version. It is characterized by reduction in the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin, and the person must have doses of insulin daily. 2. Non- insulin dependent or Type II (NIDDM) diabetes have fewer insulin receptor cells and an intracellular defect. It strikes mostly overweight and over 40-year -old adults. Type II diabetes is due largely to lifestyle, with obesity being the number one risk factor; it is well accepted that heredity is also a factor. Studies of exercise performance indicate that, generally , exercise capacity is decreased while a diabetic is also metabolically less efficient than their non-diabetic counterpart. The good news is that the diabetic responds normally and appropriately to exercise training, thus proving beneficial by increasing physical work capacity, cardiovascular stability, self image, and lipid profile. Most importantly, exercise is associated with reduction in the insulin requirements necessary to achieve glucose control. Two other points need mentioning when discussing the benefits of regular physical activity: 1. An anti- obesity effect due to the increased caloric expenditure. 2. The satisfactionof being able to compete in a non-diabetic much inspiration to persevere. Lastly, exercsie is considered an important adjunct to diet in helping to lower complications associated with long term, uncontrolled diabetes by helping to reduce cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight. For those individuals at risk for developing diabetes, a major study done at the University of California at Berkeley found that for every 500 calories expended during exercise, a person’s risk is cut by 6%. Here are your 5 Training Guidlines IDDm patients must carefully coordinate the dose and timing of insulin injections with the exercise program. Typicallythey should check BS 30 minutes before and 1 hour after exercise. Review symptoms of hypoglycemia with the patient before the exercise session. Keep a record of activity, BS reading and symptoms. Know the medications of the diabetic , especially as they impact HR and BP. For IDDM insulin should be injected away from exercise muscle, preferably in the abdominal region. The injection should occur at least one hour before exercising. I hope you enjoy and take this information to heart. Have a happy and healthy day! Sincerely Yours, Natalie Pyles Health, & Weight-loss Expert, Nutrition & Lifestyle Specialist, Author and Speaker



By: Natalie Pyles

About the Author: