Oct 11, 2024
Game On! Managing Diabetes While Playing Sports

Regular physical activity is essential for everyone because of its health benefits, and for many, playing sports is a fun way to get moving and stay fit. However, the idea of playing sports may seem a little daunting for some individuals with health issues like diabetes. Thus, a question arises: Can a person with diabetes play sports?

The answer is yes! Hindi hadlang ang pagkakaroon ng diabetes sa paglalaro ng sports. In fact, highly recommended rin ang pag-engage sa physical activities to manage diabetes. Ayon sa pag-aaral ng mga eksperto, nakakatulong ang exercise sa pag-improve ng glucose metabolism at insulin sensitivity. It also reduces the risk of other health complications such as heart disease. Nonetheless, participating in sports with diabetes still comes with risks, kung kaya’t mahalagang magkaroon ng precautionary measures at sapat na paghahanda ang mga diabetic patients na nais maglaro ng sports.

 

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. There are different types of diabetes, and according to the World Health Organization, the most common is type 2 diabetes. Bagama’t maaari din magkaroon ang mga bata ng type 2 diabetes, mas karaniwan ito sa mga adults dahil kadalasan ay dulot ito ng lifestyle factors. This type is characterized by insulin resistance. Sa madaling salita, hindi na nagagamit nang wasto ng katawan ang insulin (hormone that controls our blood sugar).

Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, is more common in younger people. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin at all, kung kaya’t kailangan nila ng lifelong insulin therapy. As exercise affects blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, people who are dependent on insulin therapy like type 1 diabetes patients should be more careful when engaging in physical activities.

 

Can you play sports with Type 1 Diabetes?

Image source: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2023/04/10/Technology/gary-hall-jr.aspx

Even though having type 1 diabetes poses extra risk when it comes to physical activities, you can still safely play sports. In fact, there are many successful athletes who have type 1 diabetes such as Gary Hall Jr., an Olympic gold medalist in swimming for the United States. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, but that did not stop him from winning gold medals at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. 

If you have type 1 diabetes, the key is to understand that different physical activities have different effects on your blood sugar levels. Some activities may cause your blood sugar levels to rise (hyperglycemia), while some activities may cause your blood sugar levels to drop (hypoglycemia). For instance, nagpapababa ng blood sugar ang paglalakad at jogging. Sa kabilang banda, ang mga activities tulad ng pagtakbo o paglalaro ng football ay maaari namang magpataas ng blood sugar. 

As physical activities may cause your blood sugar to fluctuate, mahalaga ang regular na pag-monitor ng iyong blood sugar before, during, and after an activity. Gary Hall Jr., for example, used to check his blood sugar every 45 minutes when he was training. After exercising, you should continue to regularly monitor your blood sugar dahil maaari pa rin itong mag-drop even after 12 hours.

Dahil din sa risk ng hypoglycemia during and after an activity, it is also recommended to plan your carbohydrate consumption before, during and after an exercise. You should have a fast-acting carbohydrate such as glucose tablets ready in case your blood sugar level drops. 

Most importantly, before you try an exercise or a sport, sumangguni muna sa iyong healthcare provider para malaman kung ano ang posibleng maging epekto nito sayo. If you are also taking insulin, it is necessary to talk with your physician upang malaman kung kailangan magkaroon ng adjustments sa iyong diet at medications.

In conclusion, people with diabetes can still maintain an active lifestyle, and not only is it possible, but it is also highly beneficial for them. Engaging in physical activities can help them improve their overall health and quality of life. With careful planning and preparation, diabetic patients can enjoy the health benefits of sports while effectively managing their condition.

Aside from physical activities, medications are also important in diabetes management. Whether you are struggling with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, hatid ng MedChoice ang todo aruga with our range of diabetes medications that can complement your active lifestyle. MedChoice offers Gliclazide Modified Release Tablet (ZELTINE-MR®), Glimepiride (SOLADIN®), Glipizide (GLIPDIN®), Metformin HCl (GLUDIN®), Phospholipids + Multivitamins (PHOSMAX®), at Sitagliptin (GLIPTADIN®). For more information, visit our Diabetes Products page.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute professional expertise. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

References:

Harvard Health Publishing (2023). The importance of exercise when you have diabetes. Retrieved August 3, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-exercise-when-you-have-diabetes.

International Olympic Committee (2020). Olympic champion Gary Hall Junior lifts the lid on succeeding with Type 1 Diabetes. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://olympics.com/ioc/news/olympic-champion-gary-hall-junior-lifts-the-lid-on-succeeding-with-type-1-diabetes.

Mayo Clinic (n.d.). Diabetes and exercise: When to mention your blood sugar. Retrieved August 3, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-exercise/art-20045697.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (n.d.). What is Diabetes? Retrieved August 2, 2024, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes.

Seery, Conor (2019). Diabetes and Sport. Retrieved August 3, 2024, from https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-sport.html.

Shugart, Christine M.D., et al. (2010). Diabetes in Sports. Retrieved August 3, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3438860/.

Singh, Amar (2019). Gary Hall Jr. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.diabetes.co.uk/celebrities/gary-hall-jr.html.

World Health Organization. (2024). Diabetes. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes#tab=tab_1