Exercise should be included as part of the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in both type I and II as well as helping to improve glycemic control, reduces the risk of long-term complications, promotes weight maintenance ideal and improves quality of life.
Those diagnosed with DM should be aware of the changes brought about physical exertion on the metabolism of glucose, in order to maximize the benefits of a regular exercise program and reduce its potential risks.
In people with type I exercise improves insulin sensitivity. To try to achieve optimal control of diabetes in the long term it is appropriate to pay attention to train a number of areas, including:

  • Time of day when physical activity is performed.
  • Value of your blood glucose before exercise.
  • Type, duration and intensity of exercise being performed.
  • Type and dosage of insulin used.

In patients with type II develop a program of regular physical exercise is basic for glycemic control. It has been shown that physical activity may prevent this type of diabetes, the protective effect being more pronounced in people who have risk factors for the disease.

Pros and cons of exercise in diabetes mellitus
Benefits:

  • Improved sense of wellbeing.
  • Improved functional ability.
  • Improved insulin sensitivity.
  • Decreased high blood pressure.
  • Decreased long-term risk of developing hypertension.
  • Reduced risk of developing coronary artery disease.
  • Reduction of body fat.
  • Decreased triglyceride levels.
  • Increased HDL cholesterol.
  • Reduced risk of developing osteoporosis.


Risks:

  • Hypoglycemia in people treated with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.
  • Hyperglycemia.
  • Diabetic patients with type I.
  • Protein excretion in the urine.
  • Diabetic retinopathy.
  • Cardiac impairment.
  • Risk of developing foot ulcers, especially in people with neuropathy.
  • Excessive rise in body temperature.

Components of a typical training session in a person with diabetes
A typical exercise session should include:

  • 10-20 minutes of stretching exercises and muscle strength.
  • 5 minutes of aerobic warm.
  • 15-60 minutes of aerobic exercise at an intensity appropriate.
  • 5 minutes of aerobic recovery.
  • 5 minutes of stretching.

The stretching and muscle warming are intended to minimize the potential for musculoskeletal injuries that may occur, increasing flexibility and range of motion, and condition the body to make a more intense aerobic work. It is appropriate stretching at the beginning and end of each workout.
Aerobic training stimulates cardiac efficiency, increases blood volume and increases arterial oxygen utilization by muscles, that will produce beneficial changes in respiratory and circulatory systems through activities that require an increase in oxygen consumption.
The aerobic work is aimed at reducing the risk of chronic complications of diabetes and increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
This exercise program should be done gradually over several weeks to reach its final length.

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