Recent research on cardiovascular health and problems with blood sugar have focused on preventing insulin sensitivity rather than how to help people who have type-2 diabetes cope with their condition. However, at least one study published in the British Medical Journal found that people with this chronic condition may be able to reduce the risk of future heart disease by working out, whether or not one uses specialized clothing including diabetes socks.
The Findings of Exercise to Minimize Cardiovascular Disease in Patients
Scientists and medical professionals at the London School of Economics, Harvard Medical School and Stanford University analyzed several dozen trials. They found that there was a similar efficacy for people who exercised regularly in limiting the effects of heart disease, as well as those who were at risk of developing type-2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.
While the study is less beneficial in terms of treating those who already have insulin sensitivity, the impact of the research could help one of the more dangerous complications of diabetes, heart disease. It also helps to reinforce ongoing research indicating that healthy habits recommended to all adults still apply to those with blood sugar issues. It may be necessary to adjust one’s exercise regimen based on a trainer’s recommendations given fitness levels, and also to add specialized apparel including diabetic socks.
However, the research dovetails with earlier studies that indicate that frequent exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels long after a person has finished their workout. Done with the right intensity, both strength training and aerobic activities can also help with weight control and minimizing the fatty deposits that can exacerbate risks of type-2 diabetes such as cardiovascular disease and even nerve problems.
New Research on Diet Options for Type-2 Diabetes Patients
There are two chief options for people who are looking to improve their diet to reduce the possibility of insulin spikes and maintain their weight to avoid cardiovascular concerns and even peripheral neuropathy. While diabetic socks can help reduce the possibility of difficult-to-detect injuries, limiting weight gain can also be significant. Currently doctors opt for one of two diet plans:
1) A high carbohydrate diet with whole-grain food options as well as a significant amount of fiber and a slightly lower-than-average amount of protein. The carbohydrates should help diabetics maintain a steady level of insulin, the fiber helps moderate digestion, and the protein helps to ensure that muscles do not deteriorate.
2) A high-protein diet with more complex carbohydrates that the body takes longer to break down.
The latter is more similar to the diet plans of weight lifters and athletes who focus on strength. A study commissioned in the European Union will try and figure out which works better for diabetics. As it stands, working on not going over a calorie count and working with a nutritionist and your doctor are the safest bets in this situation.
Ramification of Improperly Controlled Glucose Levels: Healing
While there are clothing choices like diabetic socks that can limit the likelihood of sores that are hard to detect because of nerve damage, they work best as part of a holistic plan to combat the effects of type-2 diabetes. Surgeons at Georgetown University recently released research indicating problems that they saw during procedures in patients with poorly controlled glucose levels.
When they completed surgeries on patients with major incisions, the study authors noted that it was much more likely that wounds would re-open, leading to infection or a follow-up procedure.
While most diabetic patients may not need these extensive surgeries, it is a good reminder that the same issues can arise for people at home who get hurt or even cut themselves. Wounds can be notoriously difficult to heal, and in fact your doctor may have asked you whether or not that was the case before you were diagnosed with type-2 diabetes.
To reduce the possibility of issues during healing, the focus is again on diet and exercise, two tactics that continue to gain credence as a way to limit the potential for blood sugar spikes on a consistent basis.