As November is National Diabetes Month, we here at ProForm Coupon wanted to offer specific exercise advice for those athletes who struggle with diabetes. As exercise is an important way to manage Type 2 diabetes and can greatly affect those with Type 1 diabetes, here are five fitness tips to help you balance your diabetes and passion for fitness.
1. Check Blood Glucose Before And After Exercise
To prevent your blood glucose from dropping dangerously during your workout, be sure to check it before and after you exercise. If you have a fasting glucose of 250 mg/dL or higher and you have sights of ketosis, you should not exercise. If there is no sign of ketosis, but you have a blood glucose of 300 mg/dL or greater, you should not exercise.
If your blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL, eat some simple carbohydrates to help boost your insulin levels before working out. As for after your workouts, we recommend you always keep a snack or insulin with you in case you test your blood glucose and need the boost.
2. Avoid Insulin Injections Into Active Muscle Groups
When you give yourself an insulin injection and know you will exercising soon after, be sure to avoid injecting yourself in major muscle groups which you will be engaging.
For example, if you are a runner, avoid thigh injections. If your insulin is injected into an active muscle group, your body may absorb the insulin too rapidly and trigger hypoglycemia. So, be strategic where you give yourself injection when looking to exercise.
3. Wear A Medical ID Tag When Exercising
A way to protect yourself while working out is to wear a medical ID tag in case an emergency situation occurs, and you are unable to relay information about your diabetes.
There is a variety of ways to wear one, from dog tags on a chain to an ID bracelet. By having an identifying medical tag, emergency responders will know that you are diabetic and how to help you recover.
4. Be Diligent With Foot Care
Some athletes have lucky socks they refuse to wash during a training cycle or have a ratty pair of shoes they won’t give up on. As someone with diabetes, you should never neglect your feet, as the nerves in the feet can become damaged and unable to relay the information that your feet are hurt. This process can lead to necrotic feet and require amputation. To avoid this outcome, you should:
- Always make sure to wear clean socks every time you exercise.
- Ensure your shoes are dry before wearing them to work out.
- Make sure your shoes and socks fit correctly to prevent blisters and other irritations that can happen with ill-fitting gear.
- Regularly check for sores, rub marks, blisters or other feet injuries.
5. Follow A Careful Hydration Routine
Proper hydration is vital for any athlete, but those athletes with diabetes need to follow a regular hydration routine. Dehydration can dangerously impact your blood glucose levels, so you should be sure to drink water before, during, and after your workout. Also, be extra careful during hot days, as you can become dehydrated faster.
By following these fitness tips, you will be better prepared to exercise safely while managing your diabetes. To help you access the best equipment, use our ProForm promo code to save you money on your next purchase.