Should you go to the gym with diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes)? Things you need to know!

Do you have Type 2 Diabetes? So you probably already know how important it is to exercise. But do you feel a little scared and hesitant when you think about going to the gym and exercising? Questions like "Will my sugar suddenly drop?", "What kind of exercise is good for me?", "What should I bring?" come to mind, right? Don't be afraid of anything. Today, let's talk about how you can exercise safely and successfully at the gym as a person with diabetes.

Why is exercise so important to you?

Simply put, when you are active, that is, when you exercise, your body receives several amazing benefits.

First, exercise lowers your blood sugar levels . Second, it helps insulin, the main hormone that controls blood sugar, work better . This means your body's cells can more easily absorb the sugar (glucose) in your blood.

If you make it a habit to exercise daily, you can even lower your A1c test result, which shows your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

Think about these things before going to the gym.

Before you head to the gym and start working out, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. If you follow these steps carefully, you can exercise without any fear.

Talk to your doctor first.

This is the most important thing. See your doctor and tell him that you are going to start working out at a gym. Ask him clearly about these things:

• What exercises are suitable and safe for you to do?
• What are the limits for your blood glucose level before, during, and after exercise?
• Do you need to change your diet and medication schedule on workout days?

If you have a clear understanding of this, you can get down to work with a lot of confidence.

Choose a gym that suits you.

The best gym is one where you feel comfortable and safe . So before you sign up and pay all the money, try it out for a day or two. See if the equipment (for example, weight machines, treadmills, elliptical trainers), cleanliness, and environment suit you.

It would be great if you could get help from a trainer.

It's a good idea to find a certified personal trainer who has experience working with people with diabetes. Working with someone like that once or twice can help you learn how to exercise safely and help you create an exercise plan that fits your goals.

What should you take with you when going to the gym?

You don't need big, bulky sportswear. Comfortable, sweat-wicking clothing and a pair of well-fitting shoes are enough. It's also a good idea to keep these items in your bag.

• A bottle of water: It's important for everyone to avoid dehydration while exercising, but it's even more important if you have diabetes.
• A small diabetes kit: Sometimes when you exercise, your blood sugar levels can drop too low. This is called hypoglycemia . The table below shows you what symptoms you might experience and what to do if you experience this. Therefore, it is essential to keep something sweet nearby (e.g. glucose tablets, a sweet drink, a piece of candy) that you can quickly take if your blood sugar drops.
• Your medication: If you have any medications you need to take during or after exercise, don't forget to bring them with you.

What kind of exercises should you do at the gym?

According to the American Diabetes Association, both types of exercise are very important for someone with type 2 diabetes.

1. Exercises that increase heart rate (Aerobic/Cardiovascular exercise):

These include walking/running on a treadmill, using an elliptical machine, and cycling. It's great if you can do this type of exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You don't have to do all of this at the gym. Walking outside and cycling also fall into this category.

2. Strength training:

These include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing exercises using your own body weight (e.g., push-ups). Set aside at least two days a week for these types of exercises.

Diabetes, Exercise, Type 2 Diabetes, Gym, Fitness, Hypoglycemia, Health