Exercise And Diabetes - Diabetic Exercise Programs For Children

Despite using medication or insulin replacement therapy as methods to control blood sugar levels, the best ways to teach children how to treat diabetes is through diet and exercise.

Although diet and exercise cannot replace insulin replacement therapy, they can help you and your child get more control over diabetes in a simple and effective way. 

In terms of exercise, regular physical activity can help on two levels. 

Exercise uses energy that does not become glucose in the bloodstream. Thus exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and there is less need for insulin and injections.

The second reason is that the risk of developing long term complications such as neuropathy due to  diabetes are minimized because there is more long term control of blood sugar levels over extended periods.

There are a number of reasons why exercise also helps to improve your child’s overall fitness.

Exercise helps to improve your child’s physical abilities including energy levels, strength and overall cardiovascular endurance.

Blood glucose levels are lowered, helping insulin work better in children with type 2 diabetes. In general, increased exercise can lower the body's resistance to insulin.

Being physically active also releases endorphins in the brain which help to relieve stress and tension, helping relaxation and lifting your child’s mood.

Diabetic Exercise Programs

Exercise programs can be broken down into three groups

Aerobic exercise is good for the cardiovascular system. It causes the heart to beat faster and the lungs to work harder. This is generally good for these systems provided there are no health problems. Aerobic exercises include walking, swimming, running or cycling. Team sports can provide an aerobic exercise function whilst give your children a social outlet and how to cooperate with other people.

Strength exercises help to build strong muscles and bones.  Swimming, as well as being aerobic, is a great overall strength building activity. Try adding push ups or pull ups to your strength building routine.

Stretching should be an important part of your child’s exercise routine. This will help their joints to stay flexible reducing the risk of injury during other forms of activity. Yoga and Pilates are excellent ways to stay supple and are also great for the mind.

As mentioned before, children shouldn't start an exercise program if they have an existing health problem. Check with your health carer before he/she starts a program. Notify the adult in charge of your child during exercise that he/she has diabetes. Give that person advice on common symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it.

It is important that before exercising, your child should check their blood sugar levels to make sure that they are OK to start. They should also have a supply of snacks and water with them as they will need to snack during and after exercise and keep hydrated at all times. A supply of glucose tablets, candy or juice will help to quickly restore any drop in sugar levels.

By following a diabetic exercise program, your child will feel healthier and be able to control their diabetes more effectively. Exercise done in groups can help them grow socially and make them more responsible.

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