Exercise and physical activity are deemed essential for people with diabetes, as it helps control sugar levels in the body.
However, not all types of exercise are recommended, because some movements will actually worsen the patient’s condition.
Indonesian Endocrinology Association (PERKENI) chairman Ketut Suastika told tempo.co that one type of exercise that was not recommended was anaerobic or heavy physical activity. Examples of such activity are weightlifting, jump rope and push-ups.
According to Ketut, these activities can create oxidative stress in the body, which will increase blood sugar levels and can eventually complicate a patient’s health disorder.
“Take the example of lifting weights. If done by diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy or retinal disorders in the eye, it can accelerate blindness,” he said during a recent event in Jakarta.
The recommended exercise is the opposite, namely aerobics, which can help control blood sugar levels. Examples of such physical activity are walking and jogging.
Ketut recommends exercising for 30 minutes a day.
“At least 150 minutes per week. So, if you skip two days at the weekend, it’s still okay. This is a method that is really effective for [keeping in check] your diabetes, ” he said.
Source: https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/exercise-you-should-and-should-not-do-if-you-have-diabetes