In a society where sedentary lifestyle broke all records, and physical inactivity with it, moving your body is more than ever a necessity. And this too, and above all, for sick people! And If physical activity could lighten the treatment of diabetesor even space insulin injections? This is a perspective we discussed with Anis Nasr, coordinator in adapted physical activity (APA) within the MDOC Health network, and member of the French -speaking Société du Diabetes (SFD) paramedical. For him, physical activity is a cornerstone in the management of diabetic patients: “It is an integral part of the patient’s treatment. It is a real non -drug therapy. ”
Sport: a full -fledged therapeutic axis in case of diabetes
In France, near 4 million people live with diabetesincluding a majority of type 2. For these patients, moving regularly not only makes it possible to better control blood sugar, but also to prevent complications, in particular cardiovascular and neurological. “” “Physical activity acts as a full -fledged preventive treatment”, Insists our expert. An observation underlined by the High Authority for Health, claiming that physical activity is recognized as an essential component of the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not limited to a simple hygieno-dietetic advice, but constitutes real non-drug therapy, complementary to pharmacological treatments.“Regular physical activity in endurance, muscle strengthening, or the association of the two improves the 5 risk factors for progression of diabetic disease”, Press the body.
A good sports practice to stabilize blood sugar
When a diabetic patient does sports, His body uses glucose more in the blood to produce energy. Even more interesting: physical activity naturally stimulates the production of Glut-4, a protein that facilitates the entry of glucose into muscle cells, exactly as injected insulin does. Result: better sensitivity to insulin, which can last 2, 4, 24 … or even 48 hours after effort. “I saw patients type 1 or 2 Space their injections or reduce their doses thanks to regular practice“, testifies the Coordinator APA.
The handset: a set of sports exercises suitable for diabetics
Not all exercises have the same impact. Asnir Nasr stresses that diabetic patients have the recommendation of making “handset”, u n Mixture of several sports disciplines : aerobic, muscle building, and stretching. “” “Aerobic activity such as fast walking, swimming or cycling helps lower blood sugar. On the other hand, muscle strengthening can cause a slight fleeting increase due to the liberation of adrenaline“, He explains. Hence the importance of adapting the session well to his glycemic state of the moment!”The Activ ‘program, carried out at Cochin Hospital in Paris, has shown that three months of framed physical activity allowed a significant drop in blood sugar in diabetic patients, with less episodes of hypoglycemia and an improvement in general well-beingl”.
Glucose sensors as a motivation tool
Continuous glucose sensors, which have become more accessible in recent years, change the situation. By displaying in real time the evolution of blood sugar, they allow patients to better understand the impact of the exercise. “It is A great tool for motivation“Underlines Anis Nasr.” One patient one day shouted with joy: she finally saw her blood sugar stabilize, and felt free to offer a few extra food levels. “
Thanks to the sensor, it also becomes easier to plan your efforts. For example, practicing moderate aerobic activity when blood sugar is high, or making muscle strengthening if it is stable. “” “It is this pedagogy of the body feelings that the speakers in therapeutic education of the patient (ETP) transmit, which teach patients to become independent in their daily management”, Share the pro, which accompanies many diabetic and caregivers day after day.
Diabetes: how often to play sports?
Good news: there is no need to run out in the gym to get results. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per weekwhether you are diabetic or not, 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
The sessions can go from 30 minutes at 1:15 amideally combining Aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening et Mobility/Stretchingfor a global effect on health and blood sugar. “”You also have to rehabilitate everyday gestures: take the stairs, walk to get the bread, take out the dog … all this counts. “To find out more, do not hesitate to consult our article on our ideas to move without doing sport.
And for those who need a framework, adapted physical activity teachers can support patients, in connection with their doctor or diabetologist. “”We are not Not there to replace treatmentbut to complete it in a lasting and motivating way “concludes Anis Nasr.
