Weight Control

Weight gain is a potential side effect of intense diabetic control with insulin. One study reported that 37% of diabetic women omitted or underused insulin to control weight. Eating disorders have become a serious problem within the general population and are especially dangerous in diabetics.

Exercise

Aerobic exercise is proving to have significant and particular benefits for people with type 1 diabetes; it increases sensitivity to insulin, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, and decreases body fat. Because glucose levels swing dramatically during workouts, people with diabetes should monitor their levels carefully before, during, and after workouts, and should probably not exercise if levels are above 300 mg/dl. To avoid hypoglycemia, diabetics should inject insulin in sites away from the muscles they use the most during exercise. They should also avoid drugs, including beta-blockers and alcohol, that increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Finally, insulin-dependent athletes may need to decrease insulin doses or take in more carbohydrates, especially in the form of pre-exercise snacks (skim milk is particularly helpful). They should also drink plenty of fluids. Because diabetics may have silent heart disease, they should always check with their physicians before undertaking vigorous exercise. Exercise, particularly resistance or high impact exercises, can strain weakened blood vessels in the eyes of patients with retinopathy. High-impact exercise may also injure blood vessels in the feet.

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