SPORT AND DIABETES

People with diabetes can exercise and play sports at the same level as anyone else.

How does exercise help people who have diabetes?

Here are some of the beneficial effects of physical exercise:

• Strengthens bones and muscles.

• Reduces the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.

• Improves coordination, balance, strength and stamina.

• Increase the energy level.

• It helps insulin play its role better, which helps keep blood sugar levels within healthy limits.

• It burns calories, which helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

• It encourages teamwork, competitive spirit and courage.

• It helps raise self-esteem and self-confidence.

• It helps to release tensions and cope with stress, as well as relax and lift spirits.

• It helps to clarify ideas and to better focus attention.

Any kind of exercise is great-whether it’s walking the dog or playing a team sport. But it’s important to practice it every day. Changing habits so you can exercise every day can cost a lot at first. But most people say that as soon as you start to notice the beneficial effects of exercise, you get hooked on it. From that point on, it’s easier to keep exercising. But there are some facts you need to know about exercise and diabetes.

What Happens During Exercise?

The following tips can help you avoid diabetes-related problems while exercising:

• Check on the sugar. Your doctor will tell you when to check your blood glucose level-you may need to check it before, during, and after exercise.

• Take the right dose of insulin. Your doctor may recommend adjusting your insulin dose when you exercise or play sports. If you inject insulin, don’t inject it into a part of your body that you use in activity before you practice it (like injecting insulin into your leg before you play football). This could cause insulin to be absorbed too quickly. If you’re carrying an insulin pump, make sure it doesn’t interfere with exercise and can’t be disconnected during exercise. Ask your doctor what you should do when you don’t want to carry the bomb.

• Eat well. Your diabetology team will also help you adapt your diet plan so you have enough energy to exercise. For example, you may need to take an extra snack before, during, or after training. Make sure you follow a diet that’s right for diabetes-don’t try strategies like pumping carbohydrates before running or eating or drinking less to lose weight so you can participate in a certain wrestling category. These activities can be dangerous for people with diabetes.

• Bring snacks and water. Whether you play football at school or swim in the pool at home, have water and something to nibble on.

• If you’re traveling, take everything you need to control your diabetes. If you’re exercising away from home, don’t forget to pack your measuring devices, your medications, your medical alert bracelet, information on where to go in an emergency, and a copy of your diabetes management plan. Get used to storing all those items in a special bag so you don’t have to think about taking them one by one every time you pack.

• Tell your coaches. Make sure your coaches and monitors know you have diabetes. Let them know what you need to do to manage diabetes before, during, or after exercise.

• Take control. Don’t hesitate to stop exercising or take a break if you need something to eat, drink water, or go to the bathroom. You should also stop the training session if you are not feeling well or feel any signs that something is wrong.

What to look for

Your doctor will teach you which sugar levels are appropriate or inappropriate for exercising. If your sugar concentration is inadequate, it will also explain what you need to do to be able to resume the activity you were practicing. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, stop exercising and follow your diabetes management plan.

You may have a low blood sugar level if:

• you’re sweating a lot

• You feel your head go or you feel dizzy

• you’re shaky

• you feel weak

• you’re anxious

• you’re hungry

• you have a headache

• it’s hard for you to concentrate

• you’re confused

• You may have a high blood sugar level if:

• you’re very thirsty

• you have to pee a lot

• you’re exhausted

• blurred

• Also, look at any cuts, scratches, or blisters you have and tell your doctor if they get too red, swollen, or oozing pus-these could be signs of infection.

By being prepared and knowing how to follow your diabetes management plan, you can prevent diabetes-related problems during exercise. After all, professional athletes follow a training and nutrition program to get the most out-think of your diabetes management plan as your personal roadmap to sports success.

Dowshen, S. [2018] Sport, exercise and diabetes. KidsHealth. Recovered from: https:///kidshealth.org/es/teens/sports-diabetes-esp.html?WT.ac=p-ra#catsports-psychology