Men and women with diabetes can workout and play sports at the same level as everybody else. Metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet) is the only biguanide accessible in the United States. It is the initial-line therapy for people with kind 2 diabetes, acting to reduce hepatic gluconeogenesis and raise glucose utilization in peripheral tissues. 14 Metformin can increase mortality prices and reduce myocardial infarction in DM2. 31 Adverse effects contain gastrointestinal distress and lactic acidosis. Hypoglycemia is uncommon. 14 There is a theoretical elevated danger of lactic acidosis with metformin usage in endurance athletes since workout at the aerobic threshold and dehydration may enhance lactate levels, but no published research are offered. Most athletes with DM2 workout at lower-intensity levels than those necessary to create significant lactic acidosis.
A healthy diet regime along with an acceptable physical exercise plan is crucial for diabetes management. Consuming normal meals all through the day with a focus on even distribution of carbohydrate can aid retain blood glucose levels constant.
Inside 30 minutes right after exercising, a carbohydrate snack can aid avert hypoglycemia, despite the fact that low blood sugar can occur even hours right after working out. Consume a standard meal within two hours of working out and continue to verify your blood sugar consistently.
Meglitinides are insulin secretogogues similar to sulfonylureas—nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin)—which are speedy-acting and need various doses per day just prior to meals. 14 Hypoglycemia is much less popular than with sulfonylureas but is still considerable and could exacerbate exercising-linked hypoglycemia. Expense can also be a limiting factor, with meglitinides getting roughly 6 to 8 occasions additional high-priced than generic sulfonylureas. Absolutely nothing is published concerning use in athletes.
Athletes who use a basal-acting insulin (eg, insulin glargine) need to not make adjustments when starting a moderate-intensity exercise regimen but should monitor glucose regularly. Owing to the improved insulin sensitivity linked with constant exercise, their dose may well want to decrease gradually as their workout regimen is established.