During the period of diabetes, besides taking medication and controlling diet, it is also beneficial for patients to engage in appropriate exercise. Can diabetic patients engage in fasting?
Can diabetics fast?
It is not recommended for diabetic patients to fast.
During fasting, the body does not consume staple food and only consumes vegetables, fruits, and a small amount of water. If diabetic patients fast without eating staple food, it can easily lead to hypoglycemia, which can cause memory loss, slow reactions, dementia, and in severe cases, coma or even be life-threatening. Therefore, it is not recommended for diabetic patients to fast.
The dangers of fasting for diabetics
If diabetic patients do not consume staple food during fasting, their bodies will be in a state of hunger. In order to supply the body with the necessary energy, the body will use protein and fat to produce glucose, which can easily lead to hyperlipidemia, fasting hyperglycemia, and other complications. This can worsen the condition and increase the difficulty of treatment. Additionally, diabetic patients who do not consume staple food are more likely to experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as memory loss and slow reactions, which can seriously harm their health. Therefore, fasting is not suitable for diabetic patients.
What exercises are good for diabetics?
Tai Chi
Method: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, raise both shoulders simultaneously, and then relax them. Repeat this movement several times (can be done according to the beat). Return to the original position.
Diabetic patients should practice Tai Chi three times a week, for 20 minutes each time, which can significantly reduce blood sugar levels and improve their quality of life.
Aerobics
Method: Stand up straight, support the body with the soles of the feet, lift the heels up and down, and open the palms of the hands with full force, making a "grabbing" motion. With each grab, the feet should move accordingly. Do this exercise for 5 minutes each time and do it every morning and evening.
Many diabetic patients have peripheral vascular necrosis, so in the later stages of diabetes, many patients may experience symptoms such as finger pain, redness and swelling, and numbness in the toes. Doing aerobics can effectively improve this phenomenon.
Precautions for exercising with diabetes
1. Diabetic patients who inject insulin should consume 10-15 grams of sugary food immediately after 30 minutes of exercise to prevent low blood sugar caused by exercise.
2. During exercise, monitor heart rate, breathing, etc. regularly. Do not ignore your physical condition and exercise blindly. Gradually increase the intensity of exercise and avoid overexertion.
3. Do not stop exercising immediately after finishing. Instead, do some recovery exercises, such as stretching legs, lifting legs, bending knees, stretching arms, and bending waist. After a long run, you can walk for a while until your heart rate returns to the level before exercise.
