The Best Exercise for Diabetes Type 1 (T1D) That Has Unique Benefits
Healthful Vitality | 10/02/2021 | By NP Contributor | Best Exercise for Diabetes Type 1
Exercise in type 1 diabetes (T1D) poses specific kinds of challenges. It is because in T1D, insulin is the mainline treatment, and people living with T1D are also prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Nonetheless, American Diabetes Association recommends exercise in all types of diabetes, as it helps prevent diabetes-related complications.
Some of the benefits of exercise are:
- Prevents the development of insulin resistance in T1D
- Keeps a person active and improves mood
- May prevent the development of hypertension
- May help improve lipid profile
- Is suitable for cardiovascular health
- May help prevent complications like retinopathy
- Helps minimize the risk of DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)
Precautions to take in T1D
Doing exercise in T1D is a bit different as it is not always about high blood sugar levels. However, some individuals are somewhat prone to low blood sugar on physical exertion. It is because they do not have much insulin resistance, and they regularly use insulin to control diabetes. However, synthesized insulins differ from natural insulin a bit. Thus, they have to monitor how their body responds to physical stress.
Experts recommend that people living with diabetes should check blood glucose levels before starting any exercise. Further, they might need to correct insulin dosage depending on the length and intensity of the training. There is some learning curve involved, as people with T1D have to learn how their body responds to various physical activities and then correct insulin dose accordingly.
If blood sugar level tends to be low on starting exercising, a pre-exercise snack may help. Further, it is good to carry some high-carb drinks like juice when doing any exercise. Keeping glucose tabs for an emergency is also a good idea. Do not start exercise if blood sugar levels are below 100 mg/dl.
There would be a need to make adjustments and consult a doctor for those on an insulin pump.
If the blood sugar level is too high, there is a risk of DKA, as in some physical stress may increase levels of stress hormones. Stress hormones have a blood glucose elevating effect.
Exercise for T1D
To begin with, people with T1D should monitor their sitting time as prolonged sitting is bad for health. Thus, one should limit the time spent before the screen. In addition, one should ideally target physical activity of 60 minutes or more a day.
Some of the exercises that are generally good for T1D are:
- Aerobic activities like jogging, biking, and swimming
- Anaerobic exercises like jumping and printing (for shorter durations)
- Strength training with weight
A good exercise plan should mix all three components, as each has its unique benefits.
Additionally, in T1D, keeping a record of exercise along with blood sugar numbers is also critical, as this will help adjust both exercise goals and insulin levels. Moreover, this information will be highly important for the healthcare provider to make changes to recommendations. For example, apart from insulin, there might be a need to make changes to a diet plan.