Being a diabetic should not be a hindrance when it comes to sports. The condition need not be a barrier to enjoying sports and exercise. It is human nature to feel that you should not be allowed to join those who love athletic fun once you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Contrary to what some people think, there are numerous sportsmen and sports women who have achieved some of the biggest laurels in the sports field.
It is again wrong to feel that seniority, coupled with diabetes, means no sports. In fact, as you grow older, it becomes important that you lead an active life.
Exercising regularly helps boost energy levels, maintain independence, relieve stress, and better manage illnesses and pain. Exercises are also known to reduce some symptoms of aging. Along with the body, exercise tones up the mind, memory and moods. There is nothing better that exercise to boost your fitness levels, whatever is your age.
Here are some points about exercise and aging.
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1. What is the point in exercising, age is going to catch up anyways!
As we grow older, our bones need exercise and training to maintain strength. Additionally, exercises will help you look younger, as well as feel well and stay active. Whether you are diabetic or not, regular sports activity reduces the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, heart disease, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity. For diabetics, physical activities help to maintain insulin levels that in turn keep other disorder like high blood pressure and heart diseases at bay.
2. Old people should save their strength and rest, not exercise!
It is common knowledge that inactivity makes older people so lazy that eventually they lose their ability to do even little things on their own. They require assistance in everything that they do. Sedentary life, especially for those over 50 years of age, leads to more doctor visits, medicines and even hospitalization. For the aged with diabetes, exercises and physical activity helps in keeping insulin levels stable.
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3. There is a risk of falling while exercising!
Most old people fall because they lose their balance while walking or climbing. This is because of reduced stamina that may be due to increased sugar levels, high fat content or simply weak bones. Regular exercise and brisk physical activity builds your strength and stamina. It prevents the loss of bone mass, which is important for maintaining balance while walking. Being able to maintain proper balance actually reduces the risk of falling.
4. Why should I exercise now when I did not when I was young!
It is never too late to start exercising and maintaining a physically active life. If it has been a long time since you have exercised, or if you have never exercised before, you can start any time. All you need to take care is that you do not over do the physical activity. You need to start with walking and other light exercises.
5. Disabled people cannot exercise!
Exercises are not meant for mobile people alone. People bound to the chair can also be physically active. Lifting weights, stretching and chair aerobics are some exercises good for the disabled. These increase the blood circulation, tone up the muscles and reduce cardiovascular risks.
Exercises for seniors
It is important that seniors, especially those with diabetes, maintain a balanced exercise plan. Staying active is not rocket science. All you need to do is remember that mixing various types of exercise will help reduce monotony, in addition to improving your overall health. The key is to carry out the activities you enjoy the most.
The exercises recommended for seniors with diabetes are walking, stair climbing, cycling tennis, and dancing. Other options include strength training. This involves repetitive motion using weight or external resistance, such as weight, machines, or elastic bands.
While exercising, you need to be aware of your blood sugar levels and understand how your body reacts to different types of exercises. Be prepared with a diabetes bag that contains all the things you need in case the blood sugar goes too high or too low.
If you still have doubts, talk to your doctor and get started!
References:
http://www.helpguide.org/life/senior_fitness_sports.htm
http://diabetes.greatergood.com/clickToGive/dbs/article/Chris-Type-1-Diabetes-Quick-Tip-On-Playing-Sports932
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-sport.html
http://diabetes.greatergood.com/clickToGive/dbs/article/Chris-Type-1-Diabetes-Quick-Tip-On-Playing-Sports932#FXKt1oMk2xlGmBOZ.99
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