Exercise is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for people at risk for diabetes or for the folks which already have diabetes. Clients with diabetes can improve or reverse their symptoms by lifting weights, especially if you were just recently diagnosed.  A study review found that people who pump iron are not only boosting their overall fitness, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, but are also  able to better control their blood sugar levels, because weight training improves insulin sensitivity.

 The affect exercise has on your blood sugar depends on many factors, including how long you are active. Exercise can lower your blood glucose up to 24 hours or more after you work out. By lifting weights or doing any other physical activity the hormone insulin absorbs glucose more efficiently into all your body’s cells for energy.  So building muscles through exercise can help prevent high blood glucose, which is also called blood sugar. Also when your muscles contract during an activity, another mechanism is stimulated. This mechanism allows your cells to take up glucose and use it for energy even if insulin is not available.

Well designed physical activity program can help you keep a healthy weight and keep your blood glucose levels in check. Even just 10-15 pounds of weight loss makes a difference in reducing diabetes. We suggest that you might want to consult with your doctor before starting a new physical activity. It is good to know your target range for your blood glucose levels.

Also people who have hypoglycemia, which is low blood glucose can pass out or go into a coma. If you experience hypoglycemia during or after a physical activity, make sure that you eat at least 15 grams of fast absorbing carbohydrate beforehand. If your blood sugar is still low, then eat another 15 grams of fast absorbing carbohydrate. Keep in mind that if you skip a meal or don’t eat within 2 hours of stopping exercise your blood glucose can get low. Most people don’t need to add extra carbohydrates to their meal plan unless they are exercising for more than an hour.

 It is important to let your trainer know if you have an existing blood sugar imbalance or are currently taking medication.  Staying active is the key and a personal trainer at Cheetahfit will create safe and help you track your progress.  Exercise is beneficial to your health, but it is important for clients with diabetes to track their blood sugar before, during and after physical activity. This can prevent  potentially dangerous blood sugar fluctuations. Understanding these patterns can help you prevent spikes in your blood sugar going either from too high or too low and maximize your fitness results.

If you’re interested in personal training or have any questions, don’t hesitate to visit Boulder’s Cheetahfit Training and Massage Center online, or call (303) 475-4578 to get started today.