Unless there is a medical opinion to the contrary, diabetics can practice any type of sport. It is enough to accurately balance insulin, nutrition and physical activity.
For those suffering from type 1 diabetes it is absolutely possible to lead a normal life: just follow some daily precautions to ensure that the insulin taken is adequate for the amount of carbohydrates introduced with the diet.
By adding a third variable, namely the energy consumed during exercise, diabetics can safely practice any type of sport without having to fear sudden changes in blood glucose concentration.
A question of hormones
Those suffering from type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin, a hormone that is essential for the body to use glucose as an energy source. Therefore, in order to practice sports safely, the diabetic must calibrate the dose of insulin according to the duration and intensity of the exercise.
During physical activity the muscles need energy to contract. However, if the dose of insulin is too low even if there is sufficient glucose in circulation, the athlete cannot produce from this the energy necessary for physical exercise, while blood glucose concentrations rise dangerously (hyperglycemia).
But even a dose of insulin that is too high has repercussions on athletic performance, as well as on blood sugar levels: the concentration of glucose in the blood would decrease too much causing hypoglycemia and the brain would no longer be sufficiently alert.
The diabetic patient must therefore check their blood glucose values before and after the activity to verify that the exercise does not worsen a state of hyper or hypoglycemia.
In addition, to take the correct dose of insulin, it must be considered that the same muscle contraction makes the body more responsive to insulin itself and the muscle, when contracted, can take some glucose from the blood without the need for the action of the hormone. So during physical activity the need for insulin decreases.
Eating and drinking to keep fit
But insulin is not the only parameter to take into account. There are, in fact, good habits that allow the diabetic to face sports in the most correct and safe way.
First of all, hydrate yourself enough before, during and after exercise and, then, prefer foods with a low glycemic index, such as fresh fruit, whole grains, beans and milk, which are digested slowly releasing glucose into the blood gradually.
It is better to stock up 2-4 hours before sports and, perhaps, also eat a snack just before starting motion or, if you train for more than an hour, during exercise.
At the end of training, in addition to replenishing fluids and carbohydrates, it is also good to stock up on proteins, which the body will use to repair and build muscles.
It is advisable that the coach or personal trainer be aware of the pathology, so that they can intervene correctly and promptly if problems arise.
And it is not even a bad idea to always have everything that can be useful to counteract a possible glycemic drop during exercise.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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