Staying Fit with Diabetes: Control and Prevention

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas in which it is either unable to produce insulin (Type 1) or produces too little (Type 2). Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the pancreas that controls the level of glucose in the body. Diabetes affects 7% of the US population, but is a growing concern. Type 1 Diabetes, formerly know as Juvenile Diabetes, is usually diagnosed in kids and young adults whose body can not produce insulin. Type 2 Diabetes, or Delayed Onset Diabetes, is a condition where the body can not produce enough insulin or the body ignores what insulin is present. This is the most common form of diabetes and can be diagnosed at any age.

SHOULD I EXERCISE?

YES! The effects of exercise have beneficial results for those who suffer with diabetes. With proper physical activity and a controlled diet, diabetics can see changes of the following:

COMPLICATIONS

Diabetes can place a lot of stress on the body and if not properly taken care of may lead to further complications. The following pathologies have been noted to have a higher prevalence in persons with diabetes than in the normal population. The reason is unknown as to why diabetics are more prone to such disorders, however there is a noted correlation.

Neuropathy A neurological condition in which the nerves of the body fail to properly innervate the muscles. A neuropathy can cause numbness and tingling in the affected area. It can lead to muscle weakness followed by a loss of function of that muscle.

Chiroarthropathy (Diabetic Prayer) Is characterized by a loss of mobility in smaller joints, however it can affect larger joints as well. As a complication to Diabetes, it is mainly seen in the hands. Symptoms include thick waxy skin with the inability to move the wrist and fingers. Many times patients are unable to place the palms together giving the pathology its name, "Diabetic Prayer".

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder, Trigger Finger, Dupuytrens Contracture) A condition where the connective tissue surrounding a joint, most commonly the shoulder and fingers, becomes inflamed, shortens and develops contractures. These contractures, or areas of tightened tissue, make the joint difficult to move and can cause pain through the range of motion.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A condition of the wrist caused by an irritation of the tendons or nerves within the carpal tunnel causing an impingement of the median nerve. With the high frequency of neuropathy associated with diabetes, the irritation of the median nerve can occur very easily.

Stiff Man's Syndrome A progressive neurological condition that causes strong muscle contractions, usually in the low back and upper legs, that can last one to two hours. Although no link has been clinically proven, 50% of people with this condition also have Type 1 Diabetes.

PREVENTION

By exercising and staying active, you can not only help to control your diabetes, but also help prevent any further complications associated with diabetes. A simple weekly routine of aerobic exercise, such as walking or running, will help keep your body in the shape it needs to control your symptoms and prevent further complications. Four days a week, working out at 40%-50% of your heart rate max (220 minus your age) is sufficient physical activity to help with your diabetes. Flexibility training is also recommended to keep tissues loose and functioning properly. For more information on diabetes, you can visit the American Diabetes Association website at http://www.diabetes.org, and for more information on musculoskeletal conditions associated with Diabetes you can visit http://www.iddt.org/healthissues/muscle.htm.