Bodybuilding with diabetes

 The main risks of physical activity for an athlete of the first type remain at the top or bottom of the glycemic curve:

Hypoglycemia (blood sugar is too low)

Always keep at least 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbs on hand to prepare for hypoglycemia. Also keep in mind that the risk of hypoglycemia is higher if you skip meals, get tense or start training after a hard day's work.

The main danger of the condition during cardio exercises is in the aerobic pulse zone. For example, running with a heart rate of 80% of your maximum corresponds to this parameter. Feels like it's a moderate or above-average load.

Hyperglycaemia (blood sugar is too high)

Some high-intensity or anaerobic activity, such as weight lifting, might raise blood glucose levels. The mainline is that you must listen to your body, check your blood glucose frequently, and search for trends that might assist you in establishing processes.

Classical cardio training can give the same effect in some athletes when working out with increased intensity with a threshold or pulse anaerobic (for muscle) condition.

What should you do before training?

Evaluate trends in sugar. If glycemia is elevated, it is better to delay carb filling. But then bring carbs with you.

Tim Atkins, a hockey player, and first athlete offers an unusual strategy:

"Go to your maximum normal insulin level 2-4 hours before training. Then, 30 minutes before exercise, you can raise your blood sugar with energy gels or drinks."

Look for a workflow and when you find one that works, try modeling it every time.

What to do during training?

You always have the following on hand:

• Consumables for diabetics (glucometers, insulin, syringe pens, spare parts for insulin pump, spare batteries for all devices)
• Fast carbohydrates (sports drinks / glucose tablets / gels / juice, etc.)
• Water
• Mixed carbohydrates and protein products.

Because each athlete is individual, there is no single answer to the question of how to manage diabetes by participating in sporting events. Here are some factors to consider when designing an initial exercise plan:

Intensity - Exercises with higher intensity burn glycogen stores faster.

Aerobic and anaerobic activity. Aerobic activity (running, dancing, swimming, cycling) leads to a decrease in blood glucose, while anaerobic activity (weight training and maximum effort training, including aerobic exercise) can increase glycemia.

Duration - Carbohydrate levels should be replenished every 30 minutes.

Temperature - At higher temperatures, athletes deplete glycogen stores faster. Prepare a packet of fast-acting sugars such as sports drinks and glucose tablets. Always carry water with you so you don’t lose it too much! Dehydration increases sugar.

After training

It is important to replenish glycogen stores after activity. The effect of the exercises lasts for a period of 24 hours, and with interval training even longer. Consumption of "slow" carbohydrates, fats, and/or proteins is a key factor. Water balance is another important point.

Be flexible

Every first athlete is different. What works for someone else may not work for you. Unfortunately, what works best for you one day may not work the next. Pay attention to your body. If you understand that it is not possible to find a balance between diet, physical activity, and insulin, consult your endocrinologist and also consult a doctor who specializes in sports medicine.

Try to establish continuous glycemic monitoring or at least temporarily work with a professional iPro2 system. You can analyze the results in detail with your doctor to determine vulnerabilities.

Use a safe trial-and-error method to learn about your body's reaction to your preferred exercises. Try to monitor your dose of insulin and carbohydrates to see what supports blood glucose. Spend time pausing your workout to see what works and what doesn’t.

Bodybuilding and diabetes - general information

A characteristic sign of type II diabetes is insulin resistance - reduced sensitivity of cells to the action of the hormone insulin. There is a direct link between body weight and insulin resistance. Specifically, the ratio of muscle mass to fat volume in the abdomen and around the waist can affect the sensitivity of cells to insulin.

The more muscle mass and less fat, the hormone insulin acts on cellular structures and makes it easier to control the disease.

For this reason, strength training to build muscle can have both aesthetic and therapeutic effects.

As for type 1 diabetics, bodybuilding can also be beneficial for them as they allow them to look better, feel stronger and younger. Strength sports are a great way to increase self-esteem and inner energy levels. Bodybuilding isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s about building the perfect body: not so much a sport as a way of life for millions of people.

What are the benefits of strength training for diabetes

The visual result of training depends on the body type and genetic predisposition of the person. Some people, within a few months of starting classes, really gain impressive muscle mass, while others working on the same program may have no visible changes at all. However, muscle strength and endurance will certainly increase in both.

The most noticeable therapeutic effect is given by classes of complex characters. In diabetes, the most useful exercises are strength in combination with cardio training - running, swimming, cycling. Extensive training prevents dangerous diabetic complications such as heart attack and stroke and thus can save a person’s life.

Regular weight training raises the amount of “good” cholesterol in the body while decreasing the amount of “bad” cholesterol. Diabetics themselves can confirm this by comparing their tests before a workout at the gym and 4-6 after the start of a workout.

Recommendations and tips for diabetic patients engaged in bodybuilding

Strength training will have a pronounced therapeutic effect only when a patient with diabetes will eat in strict accordance with the recommendations of endocrinologists and nutritionists.

During exercise, diabetics should definitely control their well-being and the condition of their bodies.

Exercises with a barbell during classes in the gym are the most dangerous in terms of injuries and excessive loads. You should start lifting the barbell when your muscles and joints are properly prepared for it. During such exercises, it is necessary for someone to be safe near the safety net.

It is better to master various groups of strength exercises in order to develop as many muscle groups as possible. Even after intense anaerobic exercise, try to give your body a complete rest: it takes at least 24 hours for the muscles to recover.

If your blood sugar level on training days is critical (too low or too high), it’s best to skip class that day. With a low glucose content, the risk of hypoglycemia increases, with increased or hyperglycemic events.

The correctness of teaching is important. If you have started training, you should not give up (if you feel good): show strong will and exercise regularly - then strength exercises will become an integral part of your life, and you yourself will not want to stop them.

Power features

Bodybuilders diagnosed with type 1 diabetes may need extra carbs before intense exercise. Therefore, before training, you should increase the usual portion you eat for breakfast. You can increase the amount of glucose with the help of sweet fruit or sour milk products with dried fruit.

If your workout lasts more than 30 minutes, you should also eat during class - eat a portion of foods high in carbohydrates. You can use fruit juices or drink yogurts for this purpose. Also suitable are special food bars for bodybuilders.

Contraindications and possible consequences

Because patients with diabetes often have problems with the peripheral blood supply, which causes complications in the form of foot damage, special attention should be paid to the legs during exercise. For training, you need to wear soft shoes that do not press on the toes and ensure normal heat transfer to the feet. It is also necessary to monitor the slightest damage and treat wounds in a timely manner to avoid wrinkles and ulcerations.

Because increased physical activity leads to active glucose uptake into muscle, this may require a review of insulin medication dosage (if a diabetic patient practices hormone injections). To understand exactly what amount is needed, before training and half an hour after them you need to measure the level of glycemia on the head: it is better to record the data in a diary of self-control, which every diabetic should have.

For people at risk of retinal detachment, cataracts, diabetic foot, gout, and coronary heart disease (these are all possible complications of type I and II diabetes), intensive training (especially aerobic type) is contraindicated. Such patients should choose another type of physical activity: some doctors recommend aqua aerobics. But even with complicated diabetes, physical education in a reasonable dose will be invaluable.

Gymnastics for diabetes

Physical therapy for diabetes has a positive effect on the patient's health. Properly put together a series of exercises will help you recover quickly. This includes exercises that will improve bowel function, normalize blood flow, and also control vision. Diabetes mellitus progresses more calmly, and the work of all organs gradually improves, if you include a few physical exercises in your daily activities. They activate metabolic processes in tissues, release excess glucose and sugar in the body. Overweight patients need to be the most active, but not overdo it. Also, the complex of exercises stabilizes the immune system, the patient practically stops feeling tired and weak.

Benefits of exercise therapy for diabetes

Most people with this disease are not aware that gymnastics with diabetes is real and brings positive results. Many doctors make a list of exercises for a particular patient. In line with the recommendations, improvements are always noticed. In many cases, sugar is reduced to normal levels. Of course, diabetes exercise therapy is only an adjunct to drug treatment.

Here are some reasons why you need exercise therapy for diabetes:

• cells become more sensitive to insulin, so it is absorbed faster in the body;
• metabolism is normalized, resulting in active weight loss;
• changes for a better impact on the cardiovascular system, the risk of cardiac pathologies is significantly reduced;
• there is a drop in blood pressure;
• restoration of blood flow, which positively affects the lower limbs;
• the risk of arterial disease is approaching zero;
• joints with the spine are restored;
• nervous system regeneration;

Common good.

There are a huge number of muscles in the human body that everyone needs to be involved in training. But caution should not be forgotten. Care should be taken not to lower blood glucose at too rapid a rate. Doctors recommend eating foods rich in carbohydrates before exercising. But if that doesn’t help, then you need to review the list of medications used with your doctor or simply reduce one dose.

Before each lesson, you will need to stock up on food that can stop the sudden onset of hypoglycemia. Very good if it won't be necessary.

Gymnastics is contraindicated in diabetes if the sugar content is a General exercise program for people with diabetes

The Diabetes Exercise Program for Diabetics contains three points:

The increased workload does not require additional exercise.

At home, in the absence of contraindications, every diabetic needs it every day. It should not exceed 20 minutes. This time is enough. Unacceptable to teach if the diabetic is hungry or just eating. Initial phase - warming up for the joints, then stretching, breathing exercises - the final phase.

It is necessary to determine which sport is suitable for this particular patient. For some, it will be enough to dedicate to diabetes exercise therapy only two days a week, and for some, it will need daily training. The most correct option is heating in the fresh air.

The first paragraph assumes the following:

• you don’t just have to stand and wait for the bus, you can walk back and forth slowly;
• go up and down every day until landing, even if the patient lives on the first floor, this exercise is very useful;
• you are not allowed to spend every day off in bed or behind a monitor, you need to walk, the approximate distance traveled is one kilometer;
• in case of sharp deterioration, due to the listed loads, a doctor's consultation is required.

After the exercises, pay attention to the lower limbs, wear only comfortable and orthopedic shoes. Constant monitoring of blood sugar is required.

Real exercises for diabetes

• Sit on the edge of a chair, straightening your back.
• Each exercise is repeated ten times:
• toes tighten, then straighten;
• pressing your heels to the floor, lift your socks, then do the opposite.

1. Heels on the floor, socks in the air, grown in different directions, lowered in that position to the floor and sliding together;
2. The right leg straightens and stretches the toe, then falls to the floor and bends at the knee, much like the other leg;
3. The leg is stretched forward, completely touching the floor with the foot, raised as much as possible, and the toes are stretched towards you, lowering the foot to the floor and returning to the original position, then you can do this exercise with both feet;

• lift your legs as high as possible and bend at the knees;
• write the numbers in the air with each foot;
• with your bare feet make a ball out of a newspaper and then separate it (do it once).
• Intestinal exercise therapy can significantly improve the condition of patients with diabetes.
• These exercises will allow many diabetics to get rid of constant constipation:
• lie on your back, cross your arms in the chest area, take time to get up in a sitting position, take the starting position (do this 10 times);
• lie on your back, put your hands in your abdomen, take a deep breath to inflate your abdomen as much as possible, hold it with your hands, not allowing it to swell, exhale (repeat 15 times);
• lie on your stomach, spread your legs in different directions, try to lift your body from different sides, at the same time pull your arm upwards (repeat 20 times);
• lie on your stomach, try to squeeze your hands off the floor, gradually add the swinging legs (perform 10 to 20 times);
• lie on one side, bend the free leg so that the knee reaches the chest (repeat 20 times + opposite side);
• take a sitting position, spread your legs and lean so that your palms are maximally removed, starting position: place one hand on the belt and the other touch the floor to the side (do 7 times);
• sit, rest with your back, bend your knees, bring it closer to your chest, take a starting position, maintaining a flat position (do 10 times);
• stand on your feet and place them shoulder-width apart, arms outstretched in front of you, slowly turn to the right, without moving your legs and moving your right arm backward, occupy the original position, similarly on the other side (do 10 times).

With diabetes, eye exercise therapy is essential.

With the following eye gymnastics exercises, you can prevent dangerous ophthalmic complications:

1. Take the index finger of both hands forward, place them in front of the eyes, look carefully at the fingers, move them away, keep the fingers out of sight, put them back;
2. Take your index finger forward, without taking your eyes off, look at them, then look at your fingers (at any object), look for about five seconds, look at your fingers again, repeat several times;
3. Close your eyes, press your index fingers lightly on them, repeat the pressure five more times, then open your eyes and look at one point for about five seconds (repeat three times);
4. Close your eyes, open them for a second - repeat six times, then open for five seconds (repeat three times);
5. Make blinking movements for 120 seconds, after which just open your eyes;
6. Lightly tap the closed eyelids from the nose towards the temples, also with the lower eyelids (repeat nine times);
7. End of charge - close your eyes and sit for a few seconds.

Eye exercises for diabetics should be performed more often.

Exercise for diabetes

Many people mistakenly believe that by diagnosing diabetes, you can stop any exercise in sports. This is basically a false claim, following which can only worsen the condition of the patients. In contrast, moderate physical activity contributes to tissue sensitivity to insulin, and its effectiveness increases.

There are several factors that are directly affected by regular exercise in diabetes:

• the risk of developing or complicating cardiovascular disease is reduced;
• blood pressure normalizes;
• weight decreases;
• memory improves, cognitive functions increase;
• metabolic processes in the body improve;
• reduced risk of complications associated with visual perception;
• the total resistance of the body increases.

Regular physical exercises also have a beneficial effect on the mental state of patients, their mood improves significantly, they stop feeling inferior. Sport contributes to the additional socialization of such a group of people.

However, it should be borne in mind that during physical exertion there is a risk of an increased risk of a sharp drop in blood glucose levels, in other words, hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is very important that any sports activities are performed under the supervision of an appropriate expert.

General recommendations

1. In order for the sport to help you, and not harm you, you need to follow a set of general rules:
2. measure blood sugar levels before and after sports;
3. always keep glucagon or other high-carbohydrate foods close by;
4. Be sure to drink a lot and always have a supply of water during your workout;
5. eat well a few hours before planned physical activity;
6. before training, insulin is injected into the stomach, but not into the lower or upper limbs;
7. adhere to the prescribed diet just in case;
8. classes should be conducted in moderation, without fanaticism and not to be carried away.
9. If you exercise regularly in the morning, keep in mind that they reduce insulin.

Before you start a systematic sport, it is vital to consult an expert. It will help correct and guide the patient. This takes into account:

type of diabetes;

• the general condition of the body;
• gender and age;
• the nature of the course of the disease;
• presence/absence of complications and other concomitant diseases.

At the same time, it is also important to consider what kind of sports activity the patient likes. Indeed, only in this case will he engage in pleasure, and this teaching will bring tangible results. The fact is that during sports, endorphins begin to be produced that increase mood, reduce uncomfortable pain, and contribute to even greater motivation.

With type 1 diabetes

This type of disease differs in that patients suffer from spikes in blood sugar levels. In this context, there is a sharp weakening of the body, the development of hypochondriac conditions, belittling, and lack of mobility. In turn, these factors worsen the course of the disease.

With this type of diabetes, prolonged physical activity should be ruled out. Continuous exercise phase for people with type 1 diabetes - no more than 40 minutes.

Such classes can be divided into 2 major types:

Cardio training;

Strength exercises.

Cardio training, as its name suggests, is aimed at preventing the risk of developing and complications of various cardiovascular diseases. This type of activity traditionally includes running, skiing, fitness, swimming, cycling.

Strength exercises include push-ups, squats, dumbbell exercises (lightweight).

Many experts agree that running and swimming are considered one of the best sports activities for this group of patients. If for some reason running is impossible or difficult, it can be replaced by walking. It is when walking that almost all muscle groups work. You also need to be careful when walking, increasing your hiking time by 5-10 minutes.

For people with this type of diabetes, it is advisable to find a gym or center near their home, as well as constantly carry a blood glucose meter.

In some cases, it is very useful not to focus on just one of the sports - they can and should change: walking or fitness today, swimming tomorrow. Such people should engage in swimming or water aerobics only in special centers, under the constant supervision of a coach or other responsible person. This is primarily necessary for security reasons.

It is best to train constantly, without a long break. The change of activities and rest must not exceed one, maximum 2 days. If for some reason the break is prolonged, you should not try to make up for the lost time in one workout and indulge in an excessive workload. Such excessive physical activity will not only not help, but will also harm.

Cardio training should pay special attention to elderly patients.

With type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) can significantly expand the range of exercise and sport. It is important to develop different muscle groups and various internal organs evenly. Therefore, training (moderate) should include two large complexes:

strength exercises, with predominant fast, jerky movements;

dynamic exercises with predominant smooth and undisturbed movements.

Strength training strengthens muscles, while energy expenditure is short because it alternates with respite. Among the main disadvantages of such exercises should be called increased injuries, as well as the load on the heart. Such training is more suitable for young people.

Dynamic loads develop endurance, tighten different muscle groups and burn calories. At the same time, the heart does not suffer, such moderate training helps to strengthen the heart muscle. The respiratory system begins to work better. Such workouts may include shaping, a sports rope, an exercise bike, or a running track. In this case, with the help of modern technical devices, it is possible to visually control the load.

Don't forget such popular practices as yoga or pilates. They allow you to develop proper posture, strengthen your joints, and most importantly, better control your inner state. Such practices, in addition to regular and proper training, help to better recognize and respond properly to the messages given by the body.

It is very good that the main and permanent set of exercises includes:

• squats, as you inhale, arms extend forward, exhale, lower, and the person bends;
• tilting turn - first the left turn is performed, and the right arm is straightened in front of the chest, and then the same is done on the mirror image;
• lean forward - with such a tilt, the brush of the right-hand touches the toe of the left foot, and then vice versa;
• walking with the lungs to the sides, which should be performed at a leisurely pace so as not to interfere with breathing.

Sports activities for type II diabetes can last an hour and a half.

If sports are aimed at reducing excess weight, you must keep in mind that the first half-hour of training takes the absorption of sugar in the muscles, and only then begins the process of burning excess calories and body fat.

It is very important not to change the rhythm of the workout which should fluctuate 4 times a week. Only then will the result be tangible. The power load time should also be increased gradually, no more than 5-10 minutes. Exercises, especially strength exercises, are important to start with light exercise.

People with diabetes should pay special attention to sports shoes and suits. The fact is that any blisters or spots in diabetics heal much more slowly, and if they are neglected, they can lead to more serious problems. The shape and especially the shoes should be of high quality, carefully selected in size and shape. If there are injuries to the legs, you should switch to light exercises, and when they pass, they will return to more active forms.

Why it is worth doing sports with diabetes. How to organize training and how to achieve the best result, says the fitness instructor in the following video:

Nutrition for sports

Diet during exercise in diabetes is paramount. So, if a person is planning a short lesson, then half an hour before the start it is recommended to consume 1 slowly absorbed carbohydrate per 1 unit of bread than usual (see the table of bread units for diabetics).

For more intense exercise, eat 1-2 units of bread, and after finishing another.

To prevent a sudden drop in blood sugar during intense exercise, you need to have something sweet on hand and slightly reduce the dose of insulin administered.

Preference should be given to fresh fruit - apples, mangoes, bananas (preferably unripe), pay attention to cereals, such as oatmeal. Low-fat fruit yogurt is also recommended.

Which is undesirable

It is undesirable for people with diabetes of various types to engage in sports with a risk of increased injuries. This category includes car racing, downhill skiing, parachuting, hiking.

Various types of wrestling, another contact, and aggressive sports - boxing, karate, sambo, etc. are highly undesirable.

People who have always been away from sports should not be afraid to start, hiding because of their illness, age, etc. Yes, the body will initially resist such a reorganization, but with regular and systematic access to moderate sports, a positive result will not last long.

Fitness for diabetics - exercise for diabetes

Regular exercise in diabetes, and especially fitness for diabetics, allows you to adjust your weight and control the course of the disease.

Diabetes mellitus belongs to the list of diseases due to which a person radically changes the established way of life.

This applies not only to diet but also to a person’s physical activity.

Features of diabetes

Diabetes can cause blindness, kidney and heart disease, stroke, limb vascular disease, which can lead to amputation. Type 1 diabetes is found mainly in young people, which is why it is often called juvenile diabetes.

In the United States, type 1 diabetes affects 10% (over sixteen million) of diabetics. The remaining 90% suffer from type II diabetes, which is accompanied by factors that influence the development of chronic cardiovascular diseases, namely: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity.

Obesity, in particular, has been linked to an increase in the prevalence of type II diabetes. We find this type of diabetes in people over the age of forty. Type II diabetes is caused by a sedentary lifestyle. So, this disease can be avoided.

Diabetes is a disease in which the blood sugar level is constantly elevated, either due to a lack of insulin (type I) or due to a lack of perception in the body (type I).

Glucose is the main type of brain, so blood sugar should be optimal, especially for diabetics.

Pancreatic hormones regulate glucose.

When blood sugar drops, the pancreas secretes glucagon, which helps restore normal blood sugar.

When blood sugar levels are too high, the pancreas secretes insulin, which helps glucose to be consumed faster or deposited in the body to be absorbed later.

Fitness and sports for diabetics

Since exercise is recommended for both types of diabetics (type I and type II), the best recommendation for type 2 diabetics is regular exercise - fitness exercises.

Exercise for diabetes helps people deal with obesity.

It may reduce or negate the need for insulin or other medications that diabetics typically use to increase blood insulin levels.

Before you start implementing a gym exercise program for diabetics, it is important to learn some recommendations.

The two most important guidelines that every diabetic should follow: monitoring blood sugar and taking care of your feet.

Diabetic foot care

Fitness shoes for patients with diabetes should be loose enough and have a gap between the toes and the toe of the shoe to prevent curls and toe squeezing. Socks should always be clean, they don’t have to fit your feet tightly, but at the same time, they shouldn’t be wrinkled.

Due to reduced limb sensitivity, diabetics are at increased risk of injury and ulceration of the legs. Use special creams, foot ointments, which reduce the friction that causes ulcers.

Overweight people run the risk of injuring their feet with subsequent complications due to increased joint strain during exercise, including manipulating their weight. In such situations, other aerobic exercises are recommended, such as swimming and cycling.

Blood sugar control

Before you begin exercising, you should ensure that your blood sugar level is normal, i.e. under control.  "Controlled" means that before exercising, the diabetic consumed the recommended amount of carbohydrates and injected enough insulin intravenously to keep blood sugar levels close to normal.

Diabetes and diet

Diabetics have a higher risk of heart disease and are advised to follow the following dietary recommendations. Although these recommendations are almost indistinguishable from those offered to healthy people, diabetics should listen to them, because their well-being largely depends on what and how much they eat.

1. When calculating calorie intake, aim to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

2. Carbohydrates should be approximately 55-60% of total caloric intake.

3. The amount of fiber consumed should be increased and refined carbohydrates reduced.

4. Consume only 0.4 g of protein per 0.5 kg of body weight.

5. Fat intake should be limited to 30% of total calorie intake. Of that, saturated fat should not be more than 10%.

6. Salt intake should be limited to 1 g per 1000 calories, not over 3 g per day.

7. Alcohol can be consumed very moderately.

With diabetes, you can’t exercise on an empty stomach. You need to eat for 2-3 hours before training. Permitted long-acting carbohydrates must be present in meals. This is a vegetable and unsweetened fruit.

It is worth noting that for the effectiveness of physical exercise in diabetes mellitus should strictly adhere to the diet, completely excluding sugar, bread, and alcohol from the diet.

Medications before or after training can be used only after consulting a doctor and according to his prescription. In addition, you must ask your doctor about the possibility of consuming sports nutrition and beverages ..

Exercise for diabetes

Regular physical activity with diabetes is not only a pleasant pastime but a way to heal your body. Fitness for diabetes has become one of the methods of its treatment and an integral part of the necessary therapy.

Cardio training saves lives, and strength training makes it valuable.

Gradual weight loss with regular exercise can lead to the release of the pancreas from abnormal fats and allow it to work at full capacity. Second, physical activity helps to naturally normalize blood sugar levels.

Exercises for patients with diabetes are divided into strength training and cardio. Strength exercises include lifting weights, ie bodybuilding, and also physical exercises with your own weight - push-ups and squats.

Cardio training strengthens the cardiovascular system, normalizes blood pressure, and prevents heart attack. Their list includes fitness, running, swimming, cycling, skiing, rowing, etc. Of all these options, the most convenient and well-developed in practice is relaxed running for patients with diabetes.

It is never too late to start fitness with diabetes because fitness contributes to the good physical shape and good mood.

Basics of diabetes

If you have diabetes, it means that your body is unable to control your blood glucose levels. Usually, after eating, food is digested and broken down into molecules that are easily absorbed into the blood. Glucose is one such molecule. 

Glucose is a simple sugar that is made from the carbohydrates you eat. Glucose must be present in the blood in sufficient quantities because the brain and nerves use it as fuel. If you have ever experienced a reaction to low blood glucose, i.e. hypoglycemia, or “hypo,” then you know what effect it has on your ability to think and behave normally. 

This reaction occurs if the blood glucose level falls below 3.6 mmol / L (or below 65 mg / 100 ml if US units are used). So, if, for example, you are thinking, which is equal to twice two, then you may have a "hypo".

In a person without diabetes, when glucose levels rise above normal (3.9-5.5 mmol / L), the pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin, and glucose levels fall. Insulin acts by binding to receptors in muscle and adipose tissue, the primary site of glucose storage. 

In the case of diabetes, the pancreas' ability to produce insulin is significantly reduced (lack or absence of insulin) or the insulin does not work effectively and cannot lower blood glucose levels to normal (with a change in insulin structure or with an increase in body insulin resistance, ie with "resistance"). insulin in the body ", that is - the body's sensitivity to insulin decreases). In both cases, your sugar rises after meals, after stress, or during illness. 

Your liver is responsible for ensuring sufficient blood glucose levels. In many patients with diabetes, the liver becomes resistant to insulin and releases too much glucose into the bloodstream - especially at night when a person is not eating anything. Glucose continues to enter the bloodstream from the liver, but since the reuptake of glucose into the liver is disrupted, blood glucose levels rise above normal.

Although a patient with diabetes feels better with “slightly” elevated sugar than with hypo, a prolonged rise in blood sugar leads to serious complications. Therefore, increased sugar should be avoided. 

Complications of diabetes include heart disease, sudden death, stroke, trophic ulcers, leading to the need for limb amputation, joint problems, blindness, and kidney failure; in women the pathology of pregnancy and childbirth. 

We now know that maintaining normal blood sugar levels helps prevent most, if not all, complications of diabetes. Exercise, proper nutrition, effective use of medication, and a device for measuring blood glucose (glucometer) will help us in this.

Risks and precautions vary depending on the type of diabetes, so it is important to learn to understand these differences before moving on to the details of training plans.