Diabetic Bodybuilding

It is not realized by many people with diabetes that they can in actual fact benefit from a bodybuilding lifestyle.
Diabetes can be fought when undertaking a healthy bodybuilding lifestyle. Listed below are some of the benefits the body receives when undertaking bodybuilding.
The Low-Down On Diabetic Bodybuilding:
o Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Tolerance can be improved
Approximately 90% of diabetic cases are due to type 2 diabetes. People with this type of diabetes can largely benefit from bodybuilding as it can result in an increase of insulin sensitivity, therefore the problem which causes diabetes is immediately under attack. Of course it is beneficial for those people with type 1 diabetes also as it decreases the amount of insulin that is required by their bodies in order to manage their levels of glucose.
o There is an increased need to use glucose for energy

Undertaking 30 to 40 minutes of bodybuilding three times a week will increase muscle mass. Having more muscle, will signify that larger quantities of glucose will be used throughout the day and during exercise. This will in turn, assist the reduction of insulin dosage for those people with type 1 diabetes.
o Blood Sugar is better controlled with a bodybuilding diet
It is essential to constantly control the blood sugar levels. The most effective way to accomplish this is by following the correct diet. It is important to have an intake of high fiber carbohydrates that are slowly released into the body such as brown rice, oatmeal and sweet potatoes which are combined with vegetables such as green beans and broccoli.
Fantastic sources of protein which should be included in the diet are chicken, turkey, lean red meats, egg whites, tuna and atlantic salmon. Insulin sensitivity can also be increased with the aid of good fats such as those found in salmon, flaxseed oil and extra virgin olive oil. These will also help to control blood sugar.
It is also important, however, that certain precautions are taken for those people that undertake bodybuilding with diabetes. Such precautions are as follows:
o Regularly check blood sugar levels
It is essential to check blood sugar before and after every activity. If the blood sugar is too high or too low before exercising, then it is advised to wait until it becomes a normal level. The blood sugar levels should be between 100 and 120 mg/dl.
o Do not exercise under extreme temperatures
It is best to exercise in temperatures between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature will affect how blood sugar is handled by the body. Therefore a moderate temperature is required by a diabetic bodybuilder.
o Remain hydrated
In order to control the bodys temperature from rising too high, which can prevent large blood sugar fluctuations, it is essential to drink a sufficient amount of water before, during and after every bodybuilding activity.
o Have a snack handy
If you start to feel hypoglycemic, which means low in blood sugar, then by taking something as simple as 3 glucose tablets with a protein bar can be beneficial.
Hypoglycemia symptoms can include hunger, being shaky, lightheaded, confused, irritable and sweaty. If any of these symptoms are experienced during exercise, then it is essential to stop and have an intake of sugars such as the 3 glucose tablets followed by a protein bar approximately 10 minutes later, in order to try and stabilize the blood sugar.
It is then imperative that you allow your body to rest for a minimum of 15 minutes before testing your levels of blood glucose. If these levels are below 100mg/dl, then it is not advised to continue exercising.

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