By: Mujuthaba
In the first part of the article on type-2 diabetes, I have explained the reasons for this disease and consequences of this disease. I have explained how important exercise is for diabetic individuals and also the action of exercise on blood glucose, independent to the hormone insulin. In the second sequel article on type-2 diabetes, I will highlight on prescribing exercise program for the group and basic dietary recommendations.
It is important to know that with diabetes numerous chronic or long term diseases prevail. I have listed some as cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure and impaired limb functioning in the previous article. Other diseases may include visual impairment and hypertension. Before starting a program for the patient, it is extremely important to identify the presence of any of these underlying diseases.
As a trainer, necessary caution should be taken while training a diabetic. During the training session, diabetics tend to go hypoglycemic, or blood glucose drops below the intended level. This can be identified by monitoring symptoms or either through blood glucose measurement. Since glucose is the fuel needed to keep the brain going, depleted blood glucose causes drowsiness, loss of co-ordination, confusion, vision impairment and convulsions. A sugary drink can be kept handy just in case, as being hypoglycemic is bad as being hyperglycemic.
The recommendation for aerobic (long duration, low intensity) training for diabetics include 3-4 days a week, 20-60 minutes a session and to an intensity of 50%-80% of the persons maximum exercise capability. For resistance training, 2 times a week with 40%-60% of maximum lifting weight with 10-15 repetitions towards 15-20 is recommended for the cohort. Resistance training is not a popular method for diabetics among exercise prescribers as it increases the blood pressure a number of folds, increasing the risk of blood capillary damage.
Dietary recommendations include the intake of high fiber food and carbohydrates as a replacement for the saturated fats. Studies suggest that Mediterranean diets also provide protection from diabetes. This diet mostly includes fruits, olive oil, vegetables, fish and nuts; but low in meat. It is necessary to carefully monitor a healthy diet throughout the life, but if one is up against a chronic disease such as diabetes it becomes a lifeline.
As a trainer, exercise prescription for type-2 diabetic patients follows a number of measures. I hope this article helped in understanding the importance of exercise in type-2 diabetics. In the future more follow up articles would be presented on the subject.
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