Lifting Weights

[rainbow]

I was told many years ago, and I can't remember by whom, that diabetics should not lift weights because it can cause bleeding in the vulnerable blood vessels in the eyes. I just joined a gym for the purpose of using equipment such as treadmill, exercise bike, etc. I thought it might be nice to increase my upper body strength with a little weight lifting, but I don't want to do anything that could damage my eyesight. I have no eye complications and I want to keep it that way. Has anyone else ever heard of "no weight lifting" for diabetics?

--rainbow

[tifales]

I have heard that before starting a new program of weight lifting, you should just check with your doctor to be sure that you have no eye problems. I don't think it will cause or hasten retinopathy if you are currently healthy. I do weight training about 3 times/week with no problems.

--tifales

[Harold]

rainbow

Blood vessel damage occurs when blood sugars are too high. What's too high ask your CDE or Doctor. Knowing that blood at 170 has the consistancy of Karo syrup I consider that too high and like under it to be under 150. Some say anything under 200 is okay.

[Wedge]

Correct the blood vessels damage is from hi sugars not weightlifting. I still do powerlifting contest with no damage yet. My sister was also told not to lift weights I just thinks thats its Docs that are not informed properly. I asked my retina doc and he said heavy lifting that would cause leakage is totally diff then the leakge that diabetics get. It even has a different name and is highly unlikely to happen to any one. Girlfriend I want to PUMP U UP hehe. Lift away and take care.

[hera]

with diabetes, your eyes makes extra veins on the retna. these veins are very weak and breaks easily. there hemmorages causes scar tissue on the retna which can cause the retna to lift or tear. which leads to blindness.