| High blood-sugar levels can increase urination, | | | | Be sure to wear appropriate athletic footwear, and |
| contributing to dehydration. In addition, diabetic | | | | wash and dry your feet thoroughly after exercising |
| complications such as autonomic neuropathy, which | | | | and check for sores. Petroleum jelly may help to |
| affects the nerves serving internal organs and | | | | decrease friction on specific areas. If you have an |
| regulating blood pressure, blood glucose, and | | | | open sore that is not healing, consult a health-care |
| perspiration, may impair your sweating response, | | | | professional immediately. When not treated promptly, |
| increasing the risk of heat-related illness. | | | | an infection can spread to the bone, resulting in |
| Be sure to drink fluids before, during, and after | | | | amputation. |
| exercise, especially in warmer environments. The | | | | Avoid fitness equipment that may impair circulation, |
| American Diabetes Association recommends drinking | | | | such as bands or buoyancy equipment on legs or feet |
| at least a half liter of fluid two hours before exercise. | | | | in water exercise. Inadequate blood supply can cause |
| Plain water is usually sufficient for sessions of one | | | | you to be more prone to pain, aching, or cramping |
| hour or less. For workouts lasting longer than one hour, | | | | during exercise. Rest for about two minutes if |
| water and extra carbohydrates are needed. People | | | | cramping occurs during a workout. |
| with diabetes will absorb beverages with a 6- to | | | | While it may seem like there are a lot of precautions |
| 8-percent carbohydrate solution, such as sports drinks, | | | | related to exercise, it is one of the best things you can |
| more easily than soft drinks or fruit juices, which are | | | | do to help improve blood sugar levels and insulin |
| typically 13- to 14-percent carbohydrate solutions. | | | | sensitivity. With a regular activity program and |
| Problems Due to Poor Circulation | | | | improved nutritional habits, Type 2 diabetes can be |
| People with diabetes need to protect their feet when | | | | avoided or controlled. Regular exercise and healthy |
| they exercise. If you have a more severe case of | | | | eating habits are also keys to weight management. |
| diabetes, you may also have nerve damage or | | | | With time and consistency, you can lose excess |
| circulatory disorders, such as peripheral vascular | | | | weight, restore insulin sensitivity, reduce cholesterol and |
| disease. This may cause impaired blood flow to the | | | | triglyceride levels, and may even make the use of |
| extremities (the hands and feet). Extra protection of | | | | further medications unnecessary. |
| your feet will help prevent bruising or injury. | | | | |