Diabetic. Where to start!!??

maloney_liz

Hi all,

I am a diabetic who is looking to use weight. I'm about 2 stone over my "ideal" weight and looking to start training and exercising. But with being a Type 1 diabetic I really dont know where to start. I feel if I start exercising without adjusting my diet or insulin I may end up with lots of low blood sugar levels (which would lead me to drinking lucozade, or eating sugar foods), and for obivous reasons cant cut out food etc.

I know the first thing that comes to ind is "speak with your GP", but to be honest my GP is pretty clueless when it comes to diabetes. And I wont be seen in my clinic for another couple of months. I'm afraid if I put it off much longer I wont do it. The time is now! I've starting walking more, but afraid to do full workouts in a gm or join a fitness class etc.

Anyone out there with any advice??? Please???

cynder

Try the long term illness forum they have a thread in there for diabetics and a few are really into fitness.

Ellis Dee

maloney_liz wrote: »

Hi all,

I am a diabetic who is looking to use weight. I'm about 2 stone over my "ideal" weight and looking to start training and exercising. But with being a Type 1 diabetic I really dont know where to start. I feel if I start exercising without adjusting my diet or insulin I may end up with lots of low blood sugar levels (which would lead me to drinking lucozade, or eating sugar foods), and for obivous reasons cant cut out food etc.

I know the first thing that comes to ind is "speak with your GP", but to be honest my GP is pretty clueless when it comes to diabetes. And I wont be seen in my clinic for another couple of months. I'm afraid if I put it off much longer I wont do it. The time is now! I've starting walking more, but afraid to do full workouts in a gm or join a fitness class etc.

Anyone out there with any advice??? Please???

My advice to you would be first to get a glucocount meter, which costs very little, although the strips to go with it are more expensive. Check your blood sugar level morning and evening and also whenever you feel the level is going too low.

Forget Lucozade and tack like that:rolleyes:; a glass of milk or pure orange juice is a far more healthy way to bring your glucose level up again.:)

You should get regular exercise, every day. Start off with a modest distance and then step it up as you get used to it. the same with workouts, go easy at first and then increase gradually. You'll soon get to recognise the feelings in your own body and know if you are overdoing it.

It's a pity you can't get better medical advice. I spend a lot of time in Finland and there is a specialist diabetes nurse at the health centre whom I can phone for advice and also arrange to meet in person if there is a problem.

Eat healthy foods. Porridge is good in the mornings, or mix up your own oatmeal-based muesli.

I believe there is a lot of information on the Internet. Personally, I don't need it, because I get as much as I need through the Finnish health system. However, check out this organisation in the UK and get hold of their journal Balance, which will certainly give you a lot of useful info.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Type-1-diabetes/

Good luck to you. I have been living with the disease for about 30 years. It can be a sort of silver lining, actually, because it forces you to have a healthy diet and lifestyle.:D