Exercise Programs For Juveniles With Diabetes
Research has shown that exercise programs for juveniles
with diabetes are a very important part of helping them to manage their
condition. Physical activity helps to lower blood sugar levels, so for many
children the more exercise they participate in the less insulin they will
need. The damaging effects of diabetes are also greatly reduced by having a
regular exercise program. There are a number of reasons why exercise also
helps to improve your child’s overall fitness.
Exercise helps to improve your child’s physical abilities including energy
levels, strength and overall cardiovascular endurance.
Blood glucose levels are lowered, helping insulin work better in the body
keeping them more manageable.
For juveniles with weight problems, exercise burns calories and builds
muscle leading to increased insulin sensitivity.
Being physically active also releases endorphins in the brain which help to
relieve stress and tension, helping relaxation and lifting your child’s
mood.
There are many kinds of activities that your child will find helpful to
their wellbeing. These can usually be grouped into three main categories.
Aerobic exercise increases heart rate and lung function, giving your body a
great cardiovascular workout. Go for exercises such as swimming, jogging,
running, cycling, in-line skating or a low impact aerobic dance class.
Strength exercises help to build strong muscles and bones but young children
should avoid lifting weights. Swimming, as well as being aerobic, is a great
overall strength building activity. Try adding push ups or pull ups to your
strength building routine.
Stretching should be an important part of your child’s exercise routine.
This will help their joints to stay flexible reducing the risk of injury
during other forms of activity. Yoga and Pilates are excellent ways to stay
supple and are also great for the mind.
Prior to starting an exercise program your child should consult their doctor
or health care team, so that they can give them the go-ahead to do so.
Whether it is at school or outside of school, you must make sure that the
coach is informed that your child has diabetes. They will need to know how
to spot the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to provide help if needed.
It is important that before exercising, your child should check their blood
sugar levels to make sure that they are OK to start. They should also have a
supply of snacks and water with them as they will need to snack during and
after exercise and keep hydrated at all times. A supply of glucose tablets,
candy or juice will help to quickly restore any drop in sugar levels.
By following a good exercise program, your child will feel healthier and
will be more able to keep their blood glucose down to manageable levels.
This will help them to take control of their diabetes and their life. |