[TAutry]

How significant of a role does exercise play in your personal diabetes care plan?

Exercise is very important to me, for a variety of reasons. In addition to helping keep my blood sugar in check, I enjoy my workouts. Call me crazy, but there is something pleasant about having some sore muscles the morning after a good weight training session.

Travis

[Ashtur]

It's quite important to me. Not only are there all the various and sundry medical reasons to get out and walk (haven't gotten to anything like weights or the like, and my knee isn't up to running or playing basketball.. old bowling injury), but I also find it a chance to relax, and a time to think, perhaps about whatever story I'm writing at the time or the like.

[HeatherP]

While in the past regular excercise has played a big role in my b/s management, the last year or so I have not been very active. That is due to a number of circumstances. I hope that in the next few months I will have the time and re-develop the ambition to get going again. Not only is it a great way to lose weight, but I feel more energized and I sleep better.

Pardon me gentlemen, but I also have to add that as much as I may not feel like it during "that time of the month" it is also a great way to reduce cramps and other symptoms.

[DeusXM]

Exercise doesn't intentionally feature as part of my routine, although I do go the gym and get on the weights fairly regularly - in that case though I simply take less insulin that day.

On the other hand, exercise might actually play a larger role than I realise. As a student without a car I walk pretty much everywhere for at least an hour a day, and now I come to think about it, my insulin requirements drop dramatically when I'm at uni, compared to what they're like when I go back home at the end of term.

[Shalyndria]

I love exercise, and it has pretty much nothing to do with my Diabetes
I exercise to get rid of stress, to invigorate myself, to (like Heather) try to avoid PMS and cramping, for the adrenaline rush, to keep limber, and cause I love feeling like I can kick some butt! My exercise of choice is Pilates (almost every morning) and Kickboxing. Pilates is great for my abs, balance, and flexibility and no other form of exercise leaves me feeling as relaxed. Kickboxing is great cardio, especially when I have a go at my bag. I also always feel like I'm an Amazon female afterwards I also walk my dog pretty much every night for at least an hour (power walking) although that's more for her benefit than mine. And of course the side benefit is better control of BG's.

I've also been playing around with doing some running this summer, although I've got some bad shin splints that may end up being a deterrent

Shy

[mg_2204]

... is exercice a thing you do alone or with someone else or in group?

I used to go to the gym with a colleague of mine years ago. Not only was it fun (her specialty was to make me laugh my head off while we were doing sit ups) but whenever one wouldn't feel like going, the other one would make you.

Did aqua-jogging too, with a few friends and the group we belonged to was just amazing and great fun. Although we worked really hard, we were always looking forward to the next lesson. The energy and the motivation were absolutely incredible. I miss it.

Strangely enough, I find that power walking is better when I'm on my own. I really don't like to chit chat when I'm doing it. I've tried to join a group that does power walking and hated it. In fact, it made me give it up for a while. I like to walk because it gives me time to think about all kinds of issues. It's my time for reflexion.

Recently, my doc told me I'd have to run a daily half marathon to really get good control. I was devastated. For 2 whole days, I did absolutely -n-o-t-h-i-n-g-. Yesterday, I've done a lot and felt great. This morning, I'm about to go for a power walk. But I feel I'm still in between 'What's the use?' and 'Pfft! Get a grip and do what you can' ... I hate to power walk with someone else, just need someone to quick me out of the house, that's all

Marie

[kcwinter]

Its a big part for me. I hate doing it. When I do a power walk I like going on my own to becuase everyone has a different speed which they like to walk. A friend and I do the walk away the pound dvd after school this helps alot. We kind of push each other.

[TAutry]

Marie,

First off, you doctor should be beaten to a pulp for that stupid statement. I would suggest that you find another. He obviously doesn't understand diabetes or you. I am amazed at what is said by some 'professionals'. Rather than offering suggestions, encouragement or referring to someone qualified to do so, they leave a patient without hope.

A brief, off-topic story: I grew up with pain. I barely recall a single day of my life without it. It began when I was very small. I have since learned that it was most likely Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. At age 11 I was diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth, a neuromuscular disorder. At the time, the doctors said there was nothing they could do for me, but they wanted to monitor my condition. For the next 10 years, I was subjected to embarrassing, unpleasant visits to an orthopedic clinic where they would parade me in front of a group of interns and students. Sometimes there were as many as 15 in the room, gawking at me, nodding sadly, whispering and even pointing.

The best 'advice' they could give me was 'don't do any physical activity'. I didn't listen. I played sports, I lifted weights, I bicycled and did anything that other boys my age did. I didn't have an easy time doing some of it and I would hurt before, during and after, but I didn't quit. Had I quit, I don't believe I would be here today.

Back to topic: I exercise alone. I always have. I don't require much outside encouragement to keep at it. I can see how having a partner works well for many.

In addition to your walks, do you do any weight training? A book I read recently referred to burning fat this way: Consider how the Mafia handles a problem. When they have a problem, they call up some 'muscle' to take care of it. For weight loss or fat loss, we can do the same thing. We can't call in two or three guys to 'take care of it', but we can use weights to put more of our muscles to work on it. I believe this idea can be helpful with improving diabetes control.

I hope some of this rambling helps.

Travis

[mg_2204]

Travis, indeed it has helped. Thank you x 100

[DeusXM]

Yeah, weight training's actually really good for losing weight. Do a weights day in the gym, and it increases your metabolism for about 36 hours, so if you do cardio the next day you get much more fat burn.

Oops maybe that shoulda gone in the exercise forum....

[Leath]

Exercise plays a huge role in my care plan. It's probably the major reason my Dr has halved my medication in the last few months. It's actually something I look forward to doing now...not something I would've said a year ago. I sleep better, I look better, and I feel better. It's the best drug around...

[TAutry]

Leath,

Are you suggesting we should all 'take a hit and pass it down'?

If one is going to develop a habit, the habit of regular exercise is a good one to have.

BTW Shy,

I didn't know about you and the kickboxing. Remind me to be nicer to you in chat.:p

Travis

[rzrbks]

Marie,

As a former coach (Middle school through college level and even worked with AAU National level athletes) I can tell you take ANY exercise will give beneficial effects to the physical and psychological state of any person. Even if if it's just a few minutes here and there as can be best fit into your dayly activities.

2nd, I think we need to all coordinate an computer/ fax attack on Marie's DR.

If we all prepared and coordinated the attack, the doofus would (1. learn some manners---(2. learn not to mess, in a negative way way with the DF Gang

[mg_2204]

... I guess it's easier and quicker to discourage someone rather than encourage them? He also told me of McEnro and how very little his blood pressure shifts because he is soooo fit. Daily half marathons and now Wimbledon? Olypics next. Yeah!!!

Since we moved, I haven't had time to explore all the little streets... and that's what I'm doing these days, while power walking. I should have brought a map; I got lost! Must be all those beneficial effets... I laughed at myself all the way home.


Marie

[Lorna]

For, me it is not that big a part of the diabetes control but more for weight control.