Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body uses glucose. Glucose is a sugar that the body uses as its main source of fuel. The pancreas is a gland in your body that produces insulin. Insulin regulates glucose getting out of the blood and into the cells of the body. If someone has diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or the insulin doesn’t work in the body as it should (Type 2 diabetes). This issue causes the glucose levels in the body to become too high, and people become sick if it is not treated properly. When someone first discovers that they have diabetes, the signs and symptoms usually include some or all of the following: urinating frequently, drinking a lot of water, eating a lot, rapid weight loss, feeling very tired all the time.
Causes
No one knows what causes Type 1 diabetes, but scientists think it has something to do with a person’s genes. But getting the genes for type 1 diabetes usually isn’t enough. In most cases something such as acquiring a viral infection triggers this disease. The cause of type 2 diabetes is also not exactly known, however there are a few ideas that experts think put people at a higher risk:
• Most people are overweight.
• People with family members who have diabetes. (Those races with higher risks include African-American, Native American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander.)
• Those 10 years of age or older.
What to Watch For During Exercise
Low Blood Sugar:
• Profuse sweating
• Lightheaded
• Shaky
• Anxious
• Hungry
• Headache
• Concentration problems
• Confusion
High Blood Sugar:
• Feel very thirsy
• Have to urinate often
• Feel very tired
• Have blurry vision
Prevention
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Doctors cannot tell who will get it and who will not. You can lower the risk of getting type 2 diabetes by modifying lifestyle habits such as eating a healthier diet and participating in regular physical activity.
How Exercise Helps People With Diabetes
• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Reduces risk of heart disease and some types of cancers
• Can increase energy level
• Helps insulin work better in the body, which keeps glucose at a healthy range
• Burns calories, which helps you reach and stay at a healthy weight
• Relieves tension and stress
Exercise Tips for Athletes with Diabetes
• Test yourself often.
• Take the correct dose of insulin.
• Eat right.
• Bring snacks and water.
• Keep a special diabetes supply/alert bag with you.
• Tell your coaches.
• Stay in control of your body. Take breaks if needed.