Diabetes can affect anyone.
From professional athletes to physically fit individuals, diabetes does not discriminate and affects more people than you may think.
“Over 537 million adults (20-79 years old) worldwide are living with diabetes and that number is projected to rise to 783 million by 2045.”1
While dealing with diabetes is difficult for everyone, competing in sports or athletics at any level presents a host of additional challenges.
That doesn’t mean that participating in sports or physical activity is impossible. It just requires additional guidelines and management.
How Does Diabetes Affect Athletic Performance?
Physical activity impacts blood sugar levels. The effect can vary based on the intensity, length, impact and type of activity. Awareness and knowing how your body responds to physical activity and exercise and understanding blood glucose patterns is key.
Athletes and sports enthusiasts “can experience a marked decrease in performance as a result of blood sugar levels.”2 This creates a vicious cycle because physical activity is one of the factors that creates fluctuations in blood sugar and why it needs to be managed more closely during any type of physical activity. “Any obvious issues with performance that are out of the ordinary should be a warning sign to check blood sugar levels.”2 Athletes may also experience what is known as diabetes fatigue which causes sluggishness and can disrupt and affect overall performance as well.
How to Manage Diabetes?
To exercise safely, it’s important to check blood sugar levels before, during and after a workout and to understand how various intensities affect levels. Knowing your numbers and staying in range is the key to managing diabetes effectively during any type of physical activity or competitive sport.
Food plays an integral role in keeping things in balance. If blood sugar is too low before exercise, eating a small snack with 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates can help give the boost needed to get things in range. When blood sugar increases to 250 mg/dl or higher, exercise intensity should be monitored closely because this range can put an athlete at risk for serious complications, like Ketoacidosis. If blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dl and an athlete feels weak or dizzy, then the activity should be stopped.
Using Continuous Glucose Monitors During Exercise
Using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) during exercise is the perfect way to keep things in check. A Continuous Glucose Monitoring device takes glucose readings on set intervals and a trend arrow tells athletes which direction glucose is heading and the speed in which it is moving so levels stay in control. A Continuous Glucose Monitor gives athletes the freedom to know exactly how glucose levels will be affected and keeps them in the game. Plus, CGMs like the FreeStyle Libre are so discreet they allow athletes to compete, live an active, healthy lifestyle and monitor their progress along the way.
Best Physical Activity for People With Diabetes
Not everyone is a competitive athlete, but it’s important to remember that anyone is susceptible to diabetes, even those who are physically fit. If you’re currently living with diabetes and tend to be on the more sedentary side of the spectrum, it’s never too late to start and exercise can safely be incorporated into your daily routine. Movement of any kind can help to increase energy levels, lower blood glucose levels, improve sleep, improve heart rate and most importantly help to control diabetes. Here are a list of exercises that are good sources of physical activity for anyone living diabetes regardless of skill level:
- ● Walking
- ● Swimming
- ● Dancing
- ● Biking
- ● Climbing Stairs
- ● Weightlifting
- ● Kayaking
- ● Yoga
Diabetes Education – It’s a Team Effort
Diabetes can affect anyone, even competitive athletes. That is why at Quest Health Solutions, our mission is to create awareness and provide support and education. By working together, we can all learn how to take control of diabetes and live an active, healthy life in the process. Whether you are a patient, healthcare provider, diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you. To learn more, contact us 1-800-993-9996, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today. In the meantime, please continue to check our blog for more information and let us know about any topics you would like to learn more about in the future.
1. (2021) International Diabetes Federation. Diabetes Facts & Figures. Available at click here accessed on 3 July 2022.
2. (2010) News Medical Life Sciences. Diabetes Affects Athletic Performance. Available at click here accessed on 3 July 2022.