Exercising with a Personal Trainer if you are Diabetic

Exercise is one of the best things for the health of a diabetic. In fact, exercise acts like insulin in regulating the blood sugar in the body. Some diabetics who begin exercising are able to take lowered insulin injections (however your physician should make that decision) and have a better quality of life. One of the important guidelines for diabetics regarding exercise is to exercise at the same time every day. It does not necessarily matter what time (although morning exercisers have higher compliance rates), just that the time be consistent for blood sugar regulation.

Some diabetics prefer to begin with literally putting one foot in front of the other and walking. Walking is a great exercise; however it should be used to compliment a personal training program, which includes strength training and supervision.

Diabetics want to look for a personal trainer who has specialty training in working with diabetics. There are certain things a personal trainer should be monitoring such as circulation in the limbs and hypoglycemic reactions during exercise. Exercise can be safe and effective when guidelines are adhered to.

With modest lifestyle changes, the quality of life of a diabetic can be significantly improved. Exercising with a personal trainer will encourage the client to incorporate those lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, keeping hydrated with water, eliminating processed foods, sleeping 7+ hours a night, eating a balanced meal every 3 – 4 hours and so on.

Diabetic Guidelines and Precautions

• Check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program or change your diet.
• Monitor how you feel during and after each exercise session. It’s normal to feel fatigued and sore in the beginning, but you should not experience any other unusual symptoms. Report any changes to your physician.
• Wear properly fitted foot wear as diabetics are prone to neuropathy in the extremities. Ideally have your exercise shoes fitted by a professional. Observe your feet regularly for tenderness, discoloration, swelling, numbness or any other changes or discomfort.
• Consume a balanced meal 1 hour before exercising and have a snack within 30 minutes of exercising.
• Follow a regular routine of exercising, eating your meals and taking your medications at the same time each day. The regularity of meals, medication and exercise is especially important for regulating blood sugar levels.
• Choose foods that are low on the glycemic index.
• Build up the intensity of your exercise session over time and strive to be able to exercise for up to an hour including warm up, strength training, cardio and cool down.
• Be aware of any unusual signs or symptoms including pain, discomfort or light headedness.
• Consume at least 8 eight ounce cups of water per day. Work up to that amount gradually and then increase the water intake if you are overweight, sweat excessively or exercise in the heat and humidity.
• Test your blood glucose before and after you exercise. If your blood glucose is 120 mg/dl or higher before exercising, do not exercise.
• If you are taking insulin or an oral diabetes medication, always carry a sugar source with you while exercising.
• Wear a medical identification tag or carry an identification card that states you have diabetes and make sure to disclose any necessary information to your personal trainer including your physician’s contact information and any emergency information.

Again, these are precautions to be used to support your exercise efforts, not discourage them. Exercise is the best thing for your health.