Diabetes is generally related to factors such as genetics and autoimmunity. In addition to controlling diet, moderate exercise can also have certain effects on the prevention and treatment of diabetes. So, does swimming have benefits for diabetes?
Can people with diabetes swim?
Yes, they can swim.
Although exercise cannot help insulin-dependent patients control blood sugar, for non-insulin-dependent diabetes patients, regular swimming exercise can effectively improve their sensitivity to insulin. Moreover, swimming has the following benefits for people with diabetes.
Improves insulin sensitivity
Long-term swimming exercise can increase the body's sensitivity to insulin or improve the binding ability of insulin to receptors, resulting in a decrease in insulin levels while maintaining glucose tolerance. Swimming can also improve the body's utilization of fatty acids, lower blood lipids, and increase high-density lipoproteins.
Reduces the occurrence of diabetes complications
Swimming can strengthen the uptake and utilization of glucose and fatty acids by muscles even when the plasma insulin concentration is reduced, and it can also reduce the occurrence of diabetes complications.
Reduces platelet aggregation in people with diabetes
People with diabetes have higher platelet aggregation than normal individuals, which can easily cause microvascular lesions and lead to retinal and renal glomerular vascular disorders. However, swimming once can keep platelet aggregation in people with diabetes normal for up to 14 hours. Therefore, swimming can reduce platelet aggregation.
Reduces the risk of diabetes complications such as coronary heart disease
Regular swimming by people with diabetes can reduce the risk of complications from coronary heart disease because swimming can lower blood pressure, reduce obesity, lower blood lipids and blood uric acid levels, and improve respiratory function. Therefore, regular swimming helps improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.
Precautions for people with diabetes when swimming
1. People with diabetes should only swim when their blood sugar is stable. Do not participate in swimming exercises during the peak insulin activity period.
2. Pay attention to preventing hypoglycemia during swimming. Monitor blood sugar levels at all times to understand the pattern of blood sugar changes. Before swimming, appropriately reduce insulin dosage or increase carbohydrate intake.
3. Do not swim on an empty stomach to avoid hypoglycemia. Swimming is generally done about an hour after breakfast or lunch.
4. People with diabetes should strictly control the amount and intensity of exercise, focusing on moderate intensity, and avoid vigorous exercise, as it may increase blood sugar levels. The exercise duration should not exceed one hour at a time.
5. People with severe diabetes should not swim.
