Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Exercising and Your Blood Sugar

Ever since I was diagnosed as a Type II diabetic, I have taken strides to improve my health overall. At the beginning, I was very careful with what I put in my body. As morbid as it sounds, I would equate having a bacon cheeseburger and French fries (one of my favorite meals) with having my right leg amputated. Now, I have learned to really take care of my body while splurging once in a while. Exercise of your will and of your body really helps you keep focused.

However, my blood sugar determines whether or not I can exercise and enjoy a good workout. My doctor mentioned to me if my blood sugar is over 140, I cannot work out as my body would not respond to the rigors of exercise and I would tire out easily. Medication and diet are key, but they do not ultimately control my blood sugar. I have learned to adjust over the past few years and have found that I have a much better workout in the morning as my resting blood sugar is in the low to mid 90s. I feel energized after a good morning workout and I am able to replenish my body with a nice balanced breakfast. Sometimes at night after I leave work, I will test my blood sugar to see where it stands as I like to go swimming at the gym. Usually I find my blood sugar to be in the range of 120 to 130, so I am able to get another aerobic workout in for the day.

If you are a newly-diagnosed diabetic, it is important to know what part of your day your blood sugars are normal. It will be the difference of feeling at your best versus being lethargic and will help determine if you are able to enjoy a good workout.

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