Exercise should be part of your diabetes treatment, since it helps you control your blood glucose levels. There are many options and one of them is swimming. This is one of the most complete sports, since it exercises the whole body (legs, arms, abdomen and back), as if that were not enough, it benefits the circulatory and respiratory system, since it strengthens the lungs and the heart, without exercising too much pressure on the joints, as with exercises such as running or walking.
Swimming makes your body exercise completely and is ideal for those diabetics who suffer from neuropathies, circulation problems or arthritis. When nothing is burned calories and as it is an exercise of resistance, all muscles work.
When this happens, the body absorbs oxygen and nutrients much easier, which helps in reducing blood glucose levels.
To swim you do not need to have a certain age or be an expert. In addition to that, like any exercise, it improves the mood, reducing your stress and giving you many emotional benefits.
As with any exercise routine, you should first consult your doctor and ask about the combination with the diabetes treatment you are using. If you are using an insulin pump, ask what precautions you should have.
- Do not forget to always carry an identification bracelet that says you are a diabetic person and inform the lifeguard that works in the pool.
- Another very important thing is to protect your feet with shoes for water. In this way, they will be protected inside and outside the water and will prevent wounds or blisters that could affect you.
- Your skin is very important, so you must protect it. Avoid swimming in very hot or very cold waters.
- Never go swimming without taking some snack or glucose pills, so you will avoid hypoglycemia. It is advisable to measure your blood glucose before and after performing your swimming routine.
- It is not recommended to swim with a full stomach or immediately after having eaten any food, nor should you take any type of alcoholic beverage before starting your swimming routine.
- It is always good to have an exercise partner, it is proven that the routine becomes more fun and it is much safer to swim with company.