Managing Exercise Risks in Diabetes

 Managing Exercise Risks in Diabetes


Exercise is a crucial component in both preventing and managing diabetes. However, due to the unique physiological characteristics of individuals with diabetes, it is imperative that exercise be conducted under professional supervision to mitigate potential adverse effects. Improper exercise techniques and intensity levels can result in various injuries, including skeletal muscle damage, fractures, joint injuries, skin injuries, hypotension, blood sugar fluctuations, proteinuria, fundus hemorrhage, and myocardial ischemia.

Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of exercise in diabetic patients due to impaired blood sugar regulation, increased energy expenditure during physical activity, and the interaction with hypoglycemic medications. Moreover, diabetic patients are predisposed to exercise-related injuries due to factors such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and muscle weakness.



Research indicates a higher susceptibility to Achilles tendon damage and rotator cuff tears in diabetic patients, as well as an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Furthermore, various diabetes treatments and complications can impact the occurrence of sports injuries significantly. For instance, improper exercise may exacerbate hyperglycemia and ketosis in patients with type 1 diabetes who have ceased insulin intake, worsen kidney damage in those with diabetic nephropathy, or induce fundus bleeding in individuals with proliferative retinopathy.

Excessive exercise can also lead to adverse effects such as disturbances in weight balance, ketone body production, hypoglycemic episodes, and unintended weight loss. Therefore, while exercise therapy holds immense therapeutic value in managing diabetes, it must be tailored to individual needs and conducted in accordance with professional guidelines to maximize its benefits and minimize potential risks.

References

1.Chinese Guidelines of Exercise Therapy in Diabetes Mellitus

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