Diabetes And Exercise
Diabetes (DM) is a chronic disease of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism caused by lack of insulin. Type I DM, insulin is functionally absent because of the destruction of beta cells of the pancreas. Type I DM occurs most commonly in juveniles but may occur in adults, especially in their late 30’s and 40’s. Type II diabetics are usually overweight. 5-15% of all diabetics are Type I. Complications arising from DM include ischemic heart disease, cerebral vascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic renal failure, blindness, and neuropathy. DM is seen more in Hispanics, followed by Blacks. Males are more commonly affected. The diagnosis of DM is made when the physician discovers either a fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl on 2 occasions or a random glucose greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl.
The diabetic client provides the post-rehab professional with a new challenge to develop a safe and effective fitness program. The program must be vigorous enough to enhance muscle strength and cardiovascular function. It must also be closely monitored to avoid exercise that may prove unsafe for the client. Remember, exercise has an insulin-like effect on the body. Many factors are important to consider when working with the diabetic client. These include: the type of insulin the client is using; the frequency and time of day the insulin is taken; the blood glucose level at the time of exercise; the client’s medical history; and if the client has any complications as result of the diabetes