/COMUNICAE/
Sports such as Crossfit or High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can be beneficial for diabetic patients. New clinical studies reveal that this type of exercise increases the metabolism of glucose in the muscles, as well as insulin sensitivity in Diabetes Type 2 patients, achieving a better control of their glucose
A diagnosis of diabetes involves a significant change in a person's life. For many of them it is a step forward in the adoption of healthy living habits, especially in terms of sporting activity and healthy diet. However, for other patients who practice sport frequently and at high-intensity levels, this diagnosis may pose additional concern, the result of fear of not being able to control the pathology.
“Among the many myths that still persist around diabetes, there is the idea that for a diabetic patient it is dangerous to perform high-intensity sports. However, this is not true” indicates the Dr. Marta López Tomás, E-Health Medical Manager of Cigna Spain. “Diabetes is a chronic pathology that involves a certain change in habits, but that at no time prevents a normal life. If this type of sports are part of the patient’s life, it may continue to practice them, but it will require more frequent glucose controls and medical follow-up to evaluate the adjustment of medication,” he concludes.
The physical exercise is fundamental in the metabolic control of the diabetic patient, and provides enormous benefits in avoiding overweight (presents in more than half of the diabetic population), reducing levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid levels and glucose levels. In addition, in case of following insulin treatment, those patients who practice exercise and control their diet have an added advantage, as they may need less insulin doses.
High-intensity sports, such as Crossfit or High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) offer benefits for diabetic patients, since to long term they achieve improvements in glucemia, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Although it is important to note that, as an immediate effect, after exercising high intensity, glucose levels may increase.
In addition, there are some additional factors to be taken into account by those diabetic patients who routinely practice them, and that Cigna on the occasion of the International Sports Day:
Know in advance the type of training to be performed. Some long-lasting or very high-intensity sports need a certain period of adaptation, regardless of whether the patient was already a sportsman or not. In this sense, it is essential to know in advance the intensity, duration and type of exercise to be performed, so that you can adjust the type of diet to be performed or the amount of insulin to be given according to the expected physical wear of that day.In addition, increase the level of effort in a gradual way and perform scaloned trainings will help patients adapt their body to these activities.
It is important to note that to practice this type of sports it is essential to enjoy good cardiovascular health. Otherwise, it is preferable to choose other sports modalities.
Measure levels of glucose before and after sports. More frequent checks of glucemia are needed, especially in insulin-dependent patients.
While it is true that hypoglycemia is a complication that can arise when playing high-intensity sport, it should not pose an impediment at all if these controls are carried out and it is taken care to calculate the necessary insulin dose or to compensate for the decrease in the level of glucose with the contribution of carbohydrates, if necessary.
In this sense, as indicated by the American Diabetes Association, the performance to be performed according to each glucemic value would be:
Glucemia under 90mg/dl. Take between 15 and 30g of rapid-absorption carbohydrates, except for very short-term and high-intensity exercises, as this type of exercise can increase the levels of glucose.
Glucemia between 90 and 150mg/dl. It is the ideal glucemia interval to start the activity, but always taking extra carbohydrates before starting exercise to prevent hypoglycemia during the activity.
Glucemia ente 150 and 250mg/dl. Exercise can be started normally, although the contribution of carbohydrates should be delayed until glucose levels are again below 150mg/dl.
Glucemia above 250mg/dl. In this case the levels of cetonic bodies in blood or urine should be measured. If the result is negative, physical exercise could be started, but avoiding high-intensity exercises, which can already in itself lead to higher levels of glucose. If the cetonic bodies are high, physical exercise should be avoided until the situation has been normalized.
Control the diet by focusing on the sport that is practiced. The diet should be consistent with the physical activity to be performed, and it is essential to apply the necessary corrections in the diet and dose of insulin. It is very important that athletes know their glucose levels before exercising and adapt the necessary intake of carbohydrates to correct any deviation, both previously, and during (in cases where the activity lasts more than 30 minutes and is especially intense) and after the practice of sport (to avoid hypoglycemia and late hypoglycemia, which may appear between 6 and 10 hours later). Also note that it is not advisable to do sport after meals: it is advisable to wait between 2 and 3 hours.
Supporting medical experts to face specific challenges. It is convenient to visit the specialist doctor frequently and to have periodic reviews, especially before and after large episodes of physical effort (marathons, parties, competitions, etc.).One to diet and control of glucose levels, checks before periods of great physical demand and recommendations of medical experts can make the difference between carrying out the activity safely or incurring complications.
Avoid taking protein or amino acid supplements to improve performance. Before starting to ingest such supplements, you need to assess your need and consult a specialist. Often, the athlete already takes enough proteins in their meals and these additional products could increase glucose after 3 or 4 hours of ingesting the supplement and causing a long-term weight gain. In addition, in high doses, they can also cause kidney overload.
High-Intensity Diabetes and Sport: Cigna Keys to Enjoy Your Benefits Without Risk
Sports such as Crossfit or High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can be beneficial for diabetic patients. New clinical studies reveal that this type of exerc
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2023-04-11
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