MANAGING ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WHO HAVE DIABETES - PRACTICAL WAYS TO INCORPORATE EXERCISE INTO LIFE-STYLE

Control of both type I and type II diabetes involves the appropriate b alance of exercise, diet, and medication. Regular, long-term exercise has many benefits for people with diabetes. Physicians can educate pat ients about ways to regulate and monitor blood glucose before, during, and after a workout or competition. Physicians also need to discuss t he warning signs of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, and deh ydration and how to prevent the conditions. In addition, patients who have type I diabetes need to know the effects of exercise on insulin r equirements. Nutrition needs will vary for each patient, type of activ ity, and other factors, but food intake can be readily adjusted in con junction with blood glucose monitoring.